Go soak up some festive lights this weekend, make some Christmas cookies and find your festive wherever the weekend leads you with a number of great events to pick from

 

Families can choose from many events and activities happening this weekend in Champaign-Urbana

Well, C-U families… it is go-time.  We’re in December and everything festive is in full swing! This weekend, go visit Santa, drive around and see some lights and plan for all kinds of festive fun. Whatever you choose to do, there are holiday-themed events and activities to fit your desires this weekend in Champaign-Urbana. We have a zillion events on our calendar (just barely an exaggeration), so go find something fun to do!

Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana

• Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana: What, When and Where to Shop
• What You Need to Know About Chanukah
• Live Nativity Displays in Champaign-Urbana
• Holiday Giving and Volunteering in Champaign-Urbana
• Champaign-Urbana Holiday Bucket List: 35 Things To Do Before Christmas
• 50+ Experience Gift Ideas for Kids in Champaign-Urbana
• Zoo Lights: Find them in Bloomington, Chicago, Indianapolis and Saint Louis
• 10 Great Places to See Holiday Lights in Central Illinois 
• Holiday Parades and Tree Lightings in the Champaign-Urbana Area
• Champaign-Urbana Area Christmas Shows, Concerts, Performances and More
• Where to Find Santa Claus in the Champaign-Urbana Area
• Where to Buy a Live Christmas Tree Near Champaign-Urbana

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Chambanamoms thanks Champaign County Forest Preserves for presenting this weekend’s planner. 

Champaign County Forest Preserves

Champaign County Forest Preserves are the caretakers of over 4,000 acres of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands across Champaign County. Guided by their values of stewardship, community, and discovery, they work every day to fulfill their mission: to protect Champaign County’s natural and cultural resources and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world.

Through stewardship, they restore and protect vital ecosystems that sustain clean air, water, and biodiversity. Their focus on community ensures welcoming spaces and programs that connect people with nature—and with each other. And through discovery, they spark curiosity and learning through trails, lakes, and educational experiences that reveal the wonders of the natural world.

Their vision is simple yet powerful: protecting nature, creating connections. They do this because nature is essential for life and well-being—and because everyone deserves access to its restorative power.

What makes the Champaign County Forest Preserves different? Their local commitment and hands-on approach to conservation and engagement. Together, they create places where nature and people thrive.

For more information: Website or Facebook

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A few events to check out this weekend

Looking for something to do with your family? You’ve come to the right place! Our events calendar aggregates family-friendly events happening in the Champaign-Urbana metro area. We know you’re busy and looking for a bang for your buck, so we put an emphasis on including free and low-cost events that you can plan to attend on the fly. Please note that events are subject to change without notice.

Thank you to Herriott’s Rents, Tents & Events for presenting the chambanamoms events calendar. 

Find the complete chambanamoms.com event calendar by clicking here now.

Remember, many sporting events and outdoor activities are subject to change without notice or at the last minute. Check with event organizers when in doubt before heading out to an event. 

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Champaign Urbana Community Fab Lab

Saturday, December 6, 12 – 5 p.m.

Enjoy holiday-themed maker activities, craft personalized gifts, custom ornaments and have some family-friendly fun! Anyone can make here!

For more information: Website

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Champaign Urbana Ballet

The holiday magic returns with Champaign Urbana Ballet’s beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 4-7 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Nutcracker regulars and first-timers alike can ring in the holiday season with this joyous tradition featuring intricate stagecraft with expertly designed and locally inspired scenery, beautifully hand-crafted costumes, and, as always, the artistry and athleticism of CU Ballet’s extraordinary dancers.

This time-honored community tradition is a time for making memories in anticipation for the most beautiful season of the year. From the opening notes of the overture, to Clara’s farewell to her Nutcracker Prince, CU Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is an experience you’ll treasure.

For more information: Website

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A Magical Cirque Christmas

Bursting with festive charm, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming magic, this high-flying spectacle showcases the extraordinary talents of the world’s most elite cirque performers. Perfect for the whole family! Buy tickets for the Dec. 10 show now.

Buy tickets now: Website

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Sinfonia da Camera

Ring in the season with a magical night at the Virginia Theatre! Experience Vivaldi’s Winter, Piazzolla’s fiery Summer, Saint-Saëns’s dazzling showpieces, and Mendelssohn’s joyful Italian Symphony featuring virtuoso violinist Andrés Cárdenes and horn soloist Bernhard Scully. A perfect December evening for families, friends, and holiday music lovers.

Buy tickets now: Website

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Facebook Check-In with Carle: “MyCarle 101: Understanding the digital healthcare application” 

Thursday, December 4, 4 p.m.

Join us on Facebook on Thursday, December 4 at 4 p.m. as we do a quick chat with our friends at Carle on timely topics for parents and caregivers. Today we’ll chat with Jim Kelly, Director of Epic Ambulatory Programs.

Join us on Facebook! No special channel, just head to our page.

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Shop Local this Holiday Season

This year, you are invited to shop, play and dine right here in Champaign-Urbana. When you support our sponsors, you are supporting our small business, too!

This season, we will showcase some of the wonderful Champaign-Urbana area small businesses that have great gift ideas and treats for your holiday needs. Click on each image to learn more about our partners!

 

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