Your Guide to Holiday Markets in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Whether we’re ready or not, the season of cocoa, twinkle lights, and handmade finds is here! From classic craft fairs to curated maker pop-ups, these area markets make it easy to shop small, discover local artists, and cross a few names off your list. Use this guide to plan your holiday browsing—then bundle up and enjoy.
Second Annual Holiday Craft Market
When: Sat, Nov 1, 9am–2pm
Where: St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 205 N. 3rd St., St. Joseph
What: Fall and Christmas crafts and gifts, quilt raffle/silent auction, and baked goods (cakes, pies, cookies). Cinnamon rolls and chili available for lunch.
Monticello Mercantile Holiday Open House
When: Sun, Nov 2, 1–4pm
Where: 116 E. Main St., Monticello
What: Seasonal shopping and door prizes, with special guests Sundrop Alpacas offering cozy, alpaca-inspired gifts. Select downtown shops will also be open.
The Christmas Shop Hop
When: Fri–Sat, Nov 7–8, 10am–6pm
Where: Various locations (Mahomet, St. Joseph, Homer, Sidney, Tuscola, Villa Grove)
What: A multi-town shopping route hosted by Geschenk Coffee, Café & Gifts—gather friends, map the stops, and explore charming small shops across Central Illinois.
CU Spinners & Weavers Guild Show and Sale
When: Fri, Nov 7, 3–8pm; Sat, Nov 8, 10am–4pm
Where: Hessel Park Christian Reformed Church, 702 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign
What: Demonstrations and guild members’ work for sale: linens, scarves, shawls, hats, mittens, socks, jackets, vests, baskets, home décor, yarn, roving, and more.
Annual Holiday Trees & Craft Sale
When: Fri, Nov 7, 4–7pm; Sat, Nov 8, 9am–2pm
Where: Champaign County Farm Bureau Building, 801 N. Country Fair Dr., Champaign
What: Decorated trees and wreaths via silent auction, plus vendors with handcrafted goods—jewelry, cards, art, accessories, signs, baked items, and more.
Admission: $2 adults; kids free.
Craft League of C-U Annual Art Show
When: Sat, Nov 8, 10am–5pm; Sun, Nov 9, 11am–5pm
Where: Savoy Recreation Center, 402 W. Graham Dr., Savoy
What: Expanded juried fair featuring regional artists in basketry, ceramics, fiber, glass, gourds, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, and wood—ideal for unique handmade gifts.
Mistletoe Market
When & Where:
Sat, Nov 22 & Sat, Nov 29, 10am–5pm — The Orpheum, Champaign
Sat, Dec 6 & Sat, Dec 13, 9am–4pm — Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana
What: A seasonal showcase of locally crafted goods and gifts, featuring a curated mix of small businesses and makers.
3rd Annual Holiday Market & Festival of Trees
When: Sat, Nov 22, 10am–4pm
Where: I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center, 1900 S. First St., Champaign
What: A full day of holiday shopping, festive entertainment, and family-friendly activities alongside a display of decorated trees.
Admission: $5 adults; $3 kids (5+)
Riggs Christmas Market
When: Nov 28–30; Dec 5–7, 12–14, 19–21 (times vary)
Where: Riggs Beer Company, Urbana
What: A German-style market with Glühwein and hot chocolate indoors and out, plus a rotating lineup of local vendors—a festive spot to browse and sip.
Champaign-Urbana Market at the Fair
When: Sat, Nov 29, 9am–2pm
Where: Champaign County Fairgrounds, 1302 Coler Ave., Urbana
What: Shop Small Saturday with local vendors, cookie crafts, family activities, and a visit from Santa—an easy way to kick off community-minded holiday shopping.
Crisis Nursery’s Children’s Holiday Shop
When: Thu–Fri, Dec 4–5, 3pm; Sat, Dec 6, 9am–4pm
Where: The Orpheum, 346 N. Neil St., Champaign
What: A kid-focused shopping experience where children choose and wrap gifts for loved ones with help from volunteers—confidence-building and budget-friendly.
Allerton Holiday Showcase
When: Fri–Sun, Dec 5–7 (times vary)
Where: 515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello
What: Shop artisan vendors in the decorated Mansion and Carriage House (natural-ornament making with the Monticello Area Arts Council), stroll Holiday GLOW, enjoy music and refreshments, and explore carriage rides and overnight stays.
Admission: $10/person; kids 12 & under free
Holiday Shopping in Downtown Paxton
When: Fri, Dec 5, 5–8pm
Where: 153 N. Market St., Paxton
What: Evening shopping with holiday décor, food trucks, and live music. Many merchants offer late hours; select locations host pop-up vendors (including Ruby Jewel, Paxton Mercantile, and The New Star Gymnastics).
Make the YuleTOAD Gay: Holiday Art Market
When: Sat, Dec 6, 10am–4pm
Where: Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, 202 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana
What: An alternative art market with a friendly, cozy atmosphere and a thoughtfully selected roster of artists—fine art, textiles, pottery, jewelry, photography, and more.
Bee Merry & Bright Holiday Open House
When: Sat, Dec 6, 10am–4pm
Where: The Hive Honey Beetique, 1828 Patton Dr., Ste. 2, Mahomet
What: A honey-themed open house featuring treats, local vendors, creative workshops, and giftable goods in a festive setting.
Illini Union Board Winter Market
When: Sun, Dec 7, 10am–5pm
Where: Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana
What: A new market showcasing 50+ local artisans, crafters, and vendors—free to attend and timed perfectly for students and the public to pick up local gifts before winter break.
Before You Go
Event details can change—check organizer pages for updates on times, vendors, and admission. Then grab a warm drink, shop local, and let these markets add a little sparkle to your season!