We can’t wait for another weekend in Champaign-Urbana that is full of holiday cheer and all the things we love about this season

 

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

There are a number of holiday events happening this weekend that we are excited about… but if staying home in your pajamas and drinking hot cocoa with your kids all weekend is sounding like the best choice for you, we hope you enjoy that to the max! This is a busy time of year and while we love to share the million wonderful things happening throughout C-U on a daily basis… we also encourage you to always seize the opportunity to have quiet moments with your family whenever you can snag them during the holiday season

This weekend, we wish a Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate! Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, will begin the night of Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. It will last through the final candle — which will be lit the night of Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. We have what you need to know about Chanukah here, as well as where to shop and how to celebrate in Champaign-Urbana, too.

---

Chambanamoms thanks City of Urbana Arts & Culture for presenting this weekend’s planner. 

City of Urbana Arts & Culture

UPDATE: DUE TO WEATHER, THIS HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO DEC. 20

Visit Downtown Urbana on Saturday, December 20 for a winter light spectacular! Experience an immersive show of projected lights on Main Street, throughout alleys, and in business storefronts from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy the light installations, window art displays, and stop for some hot cocoa.

This event is a collaboration between the City of Urbana’s Arts & Culture Program and Immersion Fest.

For more information: Facebook

---

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. 

---

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

---

Columbia Street Cafe Presents: Lattes & Littles Playdate at the Yard

Thursday, December 11, 9 – 11 a.m.

Chambanamoms invites you to The Yard on Broadway for our Lattes & Littles playdate!

Brought to you by Columbia Street Cafe, Lattes & Littles is your perfect cozy morning out this fall and winter. Come to The Yard from 9-11 a.m. and grab a cup of coffee from Columbia Street Cafe while the kids enjoy the indoor play area. Who knows… maybe you’ll get to enjoy your entire cup while it’s still warm!

At each installment of Lattes & Littles, we’ll have a special attraction (for FREE) just for the kiddos – come by to see what we’re featuring this month!

Perfect for kids of preschool age and younger, this event is free and open to all.

Thanks to Columbia Street Cafe for being our title sponsor of this event!

For more information: Website

---

iRead ● iCount ®

Volunteer Now! It’s Not Tutoring. It’s Transformation. 1 hour a week to change a child’s life.

For more information: Website

---

We Love Urbana

2025 Trees and Lights from Around the World has begun! Explore downtown Urbana’s local businesses, festive trees, and window art displays. Experience Winter Lights and discover Hotel Royer’s Winter Chronicle. Enjoy era-inspired cocktails, soak in the holiday glow, and vote for your favorite themed tree during this joyful seasonal celebration.

For more information: Facebook

---

Dick’s House of Sport Holiday Extravaganza

Saturday, December 13, 12-3 p.m.

Head to Dick’s House of Sport for a Holiday Extravaganza! This free, all-ages event is a total store takeover, with fun-filled stations scattered across the sales floor. Visit the Welcome Station at their front door to start your adventure at any time during the event. Activities include:

•  Over-the-Top Holiday Decorations & Games
• Complimentary Gift Wrapping
• Face Painting & Family Photos
• Cookie Decorating
• Hot Chocolate & MORE
• FREE Rock Wall, HitTrax & Golf Simulator Experiences

Whether you’re here to make memories, craft keepsakes, or simply soak up the holiday cheer, they’ve got something for everyone. Don’t miss this joyful celebration—come ready for a jolly good time!

For more information: Website

---

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!

 

---