Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Events and Activities

There’s something magical about the holiday season in Champaign-Urbana, for kids and parents alike. The twinkling lights, the fresh snow (if we’re lucky), and the excitement in the air all make this a memorable time of year.

Chambanamoms thanks Tuscola Chamber & Tourism and CU Winter Farmers Market for presenting this comprehensive resource. Check those items off your holiday shopping list and support our partners this season!

Tuscola Chamber & Tourism

Tuscola will open the holiday season December 5 and 6 with their annual Christmastown celebration. Plan to watch the nighttime parade and then shop specials at local businesses and 30 vendors at the Jingle & Mingle Market.

For more information: Website or Facebook

CU Winter Farmers Market

Come out to Lincoln Square Mall for the CU Winter Farmers Market. They are there Saturdays from November through April from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. They have local farmers, bakers, food businesses, and artists and artisans for all of your holiday gifting and hosting needs. See you at the market!

Location: Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

Everything Holiday for Champaign-Urbana

This is our complete guide to all things holiday-season in Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities. We will keep adding posts, events and updates as they are announced, so check back often; all events are also listed on our events calendar.

Pin this page, post this to Facebook, save the link to your homescreen, or bookmark this link because this is one page you’re going to want to come back to over and over again for the holidays. Click on each link below to read what we’ve taken the time to put together for your family. Some topics do not have links yet as the information has not been finalized. We do our best to include links for specific events so that you can follow along with them on social media and make sure there are no last-minute cancellations or changes.

Holiday Events – A Complete List

If you are trying to make each day count this holiday season, this section is for you — click here. The holiday season gets busy, so we have done the planning for you! Be sure to check out our calendar to see a different activity each day that your family will enjoy.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving – Where to Get a Local Turkey

If you’d like to order a turkey from a local farmer or a local dining establishment, we’ll have a list for you. Don’t delay on these: many sell out completely well in advance of the big day.

Thanksgiving Meals – Where to Eat

Take a break this Thanksgiving! We have the details for where you can order complete meals to go ahead of time, where you can pre-order special sides or desserts, as well as a comprehensive list of which restaurants are open for dining on Thanksgiving.

25+ Things to Do During Thanksgiving Break in Champaign-Urbana

Staying in town for the holidays? There are plenty of opportunities to get out and have fun in the Champaign-Urbana area — and keep kids active, too.

Kicking Off the Holiday Season

Make Family Memories at Christmas Tree Farms Near Champaign-Urbana 

There is nothing quite like heading to a Champaign-Urbana area Christmas tree farm to pick the perfect Christmas tree. Whether you want to head out to the field and cut your own tree or you prefer to choose from a selection of fresh cut trees, our handy guide will help you find the best Christmas tree farms near you. And many of the area farms offer unique experiences to make your visit even more memorable.

Holiday Parades and Tree Lightings in and around Champaign-Urbana

We love parades! Find a list of all of the holiday parades and tree lightings happening a short drive from Champaign-Urbana, and mark your calendars for our very own Parade of Lights.

Champaign-Urbana Area Christmas Shows, Concerts, Performances and More

Champaign-Urbana Christmas holiday performances range from single performance shows to those that run through the whole season such as plays, musicals, concerts, and of course the ballet.

Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana: What, When and Where to Shop

Chanukah happens Dec. 14 – 22 in 2025. Learn more and find out how to celebrate.

What You Need to Know about Chanukah

Learn all about the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Shopping for Gifts and Supporting Local Restaurants

Shop, Play, and Dine Locally this Holiday Season in Champaign-Urbana

You might not think about fun when you think about shopping. For some, it’s a chore. For others, it’s an enjoyable part of the season, as is enjoying festive food you don’t have to cook. Be sure to support Champaign-Urbana’s businesses, and read about local shopping and eating specials from Thanksgiving through Christmas on our Facebook page.

Where to Eat or Pre-order Meals and Treats on Christmas Day

Here’s our list of where to eat out (or order ahead…or take-out) on Dec. 24 & 25 in Champaign-Urbana (not including fast food or coffee shops).

Holiday Bucket List

Here is our list of holiday “bucket list” to-dos, customized for Champaign-Urbana area families. Pick one, do all 35, or something in between, but whatever you do, have a wonderful holiday season making festive memories with your crew.

Make Memories, Not Clutter: 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids

Create memories, not clutter, with the gift of an experience this holiday season. We’ve got pro tips if you’d like to focus more on memories and less on STUFF this year.

Christmas Lights

Amazing Christmas Lights Around Champaign-Urbana and Beyond

Looking for houses with the best Christmas light displays in the Champaign-Urbana metro area? Check out our list to help you plan a night with your family that’s fun, festive and free. So pack some snacks, fill up a thermos with hot cocoa — or a sippy cup with chocolate milk for the toddler crowd — and head out on a mission to find the best decorated houses.

Eight Great Places to See Holiday Lights in Central Illinois

Are you willing to drive all over Central Illinois for good holiday lights shows? Don’t worry, so are we! We’ve put together a list of the top Christmas light shows across the Central Illinois region, including Peoria, Mattoon, Shelbyville, Urbana, and more. Most of these are permanent, annual fixtures in their communities.

Holiday Lights at the Zoo: Where to Go Within Driving Distance of Champaign-Urbana

We’ve found holiday zoo lights at most of the zoos, large and small, within a reasonable driving distance of Champaign-Urbana.

Traditions and Memories

Where to Find Santa in Champaign-Urbana

Where to find Santa this year — and maybe even get your picture taken — in Champaign-Urbana and beyond.

Holiday Giving and Volunteering in Champaign-Urbana

From donating toys or clothing to volunteering in some way, there are plenty of opportunities to give back this holiday season in Champaign-Urbana.

Polar Express Fun in Champaign-Urbana

There’s more to the Polar Express than the famous Monticello train rides. We list ways to experience the magic of Polar Express in Champaign-Urbana, in ways that won’t break your budget.

Chicago Fun for Families during the Holiday Season

Chicago dials it up to 11 for the holidays. We set out to discover some big-city holiday highlights with the help of our readers.

10 Ideas for a Holiday Getaway to Indianapolis with Kids

Indianapolis comes alive during the holidays! We’ve listed some of our favorite attractions in and around the city, many of which have special events during the holiday season.

All Upcoming Holiday Season Events

We’ve made it simple for you to scroll what is happening, in upcoming order, near you.

How will you be celebrating the holidays? No matter how you choose to spend the season, we hope it is full of love, light, laughter, and joy. 

Looking for more? Subscribe to our email newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.

Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana

• The Best Places for Holiday Photos Around Champaign-Urbana
• Where to Eat on Christmas in Champaign-Urbana
• Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Holiday Treats
• A Beloved University of Illinois Tradition Sings On: Dial-A-Carol Singers Go Live Dec. 11
• Amazing Christmas Lights Around Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
• Gift Ideas for Champaign-Urbana Adults
• Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana: What, When and Where to Shop
• What You Need to Know About Chanukah
• How to Chop Down Your Own Christmas Tree in the Shawnee National Forest – For $5 (or Less)
• Live Nativity Displays in Champaign-Urbana
• Holiday Giving and Volunteering in Champaign-Urbana
• 25 Things to Do During Thanksgiving Break in Champaign-Urbana
• Champaign-Urbana Holiday Bucket List: 35 Things To Do Before Christmas
• Where to Eat Dinner on Thanksgiving in Champaign-Urbana
• 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 
• All Aboard: Polar Express Fun (Beyond the Train) in Champaign-Urbana
• 10+ Reasons to Visit Chicago During the Holiday Season
• Holiday Parades and Tree Lightings in the Champaign-Urbana Area
• 10+ Things to Do in Indianapolis for a Holiday Getaway
• 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
• Champaign-Urbana Area Holiday Events and Activities
• Where to Order Your Thanksgiving Turkey in Champaign-Urbana
• Holiday Glow Returning to Allerton Park in 2025