Santa Spotting in Champaign County: Week of December 2nd
This time of year, Santa starts popping up in Champaign County for some magical events and occasions! Each week this holiday season, we’ll be giving you a peek at where to find Santa, whether it be for photo ops, meals, or other festive encounters! Here’s where you can spot Santa in Champaign County this week, December 2nd-8th!
Some of these events require ticket purchase and other admission fees and RSVP-like confirmations. Visit each page linked in the event title for more information!
Where to Find Santa in Champaign County This Week
Meet Santa Clause at the Virginia Theater
December 4th, 5th – 5:00pm-7:00pm
The Champaign Center Partnership and the Champaign Park District are excited to again welcome St. Nick to the Virginia Theatre. You and your family can visit with Santa in the theatre’s beautiful Mezzanine Lobby. Santa will take pictures with each visitor (parents, bring your cameras!) and every child will receive a candy cane. Kids (of all ages) are encouraged to have their holiday wish lists ready to share with Santa!
Mahomet Village Christmas and Breakfast with Santa
December 6th – Village Christmas from 5pm-8pm;
December 7th – Breakfast with Santa from 8am-11am and Village Christmas from 12pm-5pm.
There will be free crafts for kids, vendor village, kids' shop, pies, carriage rides, a HUGE lighted Christmas tree at this year’s Mahomet Christmas Village. Plus, you can eat breakfast with Santa Saturday morning from 8am-11am before the Village reopens for day two!
Rantoul Christmas Parade – “Light Up Rantoul”
December 6th – 6:00pm-8:30pm
Santa will be downtown in the Beltone Building at 112 E Sangamon. There will be crafts, and a tree lighting will take place following the parade.
Breakfast with Santa at Curtis Orchard
December 7th, 8th – 9am
Look forward to an awesome homemade breakfast and unlimited drinks. Plus, live music, Santa’s grand arrival by horse-drawn carriage, cookie decorating, story time with Mrs. Claus, and more!
Brunch with Santa at Willow Creek Farm
December 7th, 8th – 9am
Bring the family and join us for Brunch with Santa at Willow Creek Farm! This kid friendly event gives the little ones a chance to get their photos taken with Santa, decorate cookies, feed the animals and write letters to Santa, all while enjoying a delicious brunch buffet from V. Picasso.
Tickets are for adults and children over the age of 2. Those 2 & under are free.
Lunch with Santa at the Wabash Depot
December 7th, 8th – 10am
Join us for a holiday favorite with kids of all ages. Enjoy a train ride, individual visit with Santa, and kid friendly sack lunch.
The Monticello Chamber and the Monticello Railroad Museum are excited to continue, the Deluxe Dining Car experience. There will only be 10 of these tables available on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 10 available on Sunday at 1 p.m. For details on the experience, visit the link above!
Monticello Christmas Parade
December 7th – 11:30am
The parade route will be the same as last year, north on Hamilton to Center, west on Center to State, south on State back to the school. See festive floats, finishing things off with the man in the red suit himself!
Snow Globe at the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
December 7th – 1pm-5pm
Join in the merriment of Snow Globe featuring indoor sledding, holiday games, crafts, treats, visits with Kris Kringle (2-5 pm), and more! Admission is $8 for individuals or $28 for a family of four and $3 for Orpheum Museum members. Discounts available for families whose income qualifies.