Brilliant Stories

Holiday Happenings in the Champaign-Urbana Area

November 22, 2024

The holiday season is a magical time in the Champaign-Urbana area, with a mix of small-town charm and vibrant community events. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, there’s plenty to see, do, and experience. Here’s your guide to the most festive happenings this year!

 

Holiday Markets

We have a handful of maker markets for your holiday shopping needs. Check em’ out below!

woman in a santa hat attending the Riggs Christmas MarketRiggs Christmas Market: 

When: November 29–December 22 (weekends only)

Where: 1901 South High Cross Rd, Urbana

 

The First Mistletoe Market:

When: November 23 
Where: The Orpheum | 346 N Neil St, Champaign

 

CUC Fab Lab Holiday Maker Market:

When: November 30 & December 1 
Where: 1301 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana

 

The Second Mistletoe Market (The Orpheum, Champaign):

When: November 30 
Where: The Orpheum | 346 N Neil St, Champaign

 

Allerton Holiday Showcase:

When: December 6–8 
Where: 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello

 

PostMark December

When: December 7 
Where: 135 W. Main St, Urbana

 

a woman at a booth at the Toad-ally Awesome Art Hop-UpTOAD-ally Awesome Art Hop-up:

When: December 7 
Where: Independent Media Center | 202 S Broadway Ave, Urbana 

 

The Third Mistletoe Market (Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana):

When: December 7
Where: 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana

 

Illini Union Winter Market:

When: December 8
Where: 1401 W. Green St, Urbana

 

The Fourth Mistletoe Market (Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana):

When: December 14
Where: 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana

 

Community Events

The Champaign-Urbana area is bursting with holiday cheer! From festive light displays and markets to family-friendly performances and parades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

 

Amish Country

 

Pathway of Lights, Arcola
When: November 2–January 4 

Where: 125 N County Road 425E, Arcola


Christmastown Celebration, Tuscola
When: December 3–8
Where: Downtown Tuscola

 

Lighted Christmas Parade, Tuscola

When: December 6
Where: Ervin Park, Tuscola


German Christmas Market at Edgewood Farm, Arthur
When: December 6–8
Where: 325 N 1475 E, Arthur


Lighted Christmas Parade, Arthur
When:  December 7
Where: Downtown Arthur

 

Little Theatre on the Square Presents: The Polar Express

When:  November 29–30
Where: 16 E Harrison St, Sullivan

 

Little Theatre on the Square Presents: Rudolph 24

When:  November 30
Where: 16 E Harrison St, Sullivan

 

Little Theatre on the Square Presents: Elf-The Musical

When:  December 13–22
Where: 16 E Harrison St, Sullivan

 

Hanukkah in the Champaign-Urbana Area 


First Night of Hanukkah Party
When: December 7 

Where: Hillel First Floor Multi-Purpose Room

Downtown Chanukah Celebration

When: December 10

Where: 1 Main Plaza, Champaign

 

Champaign

 

Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
When: November 29–January 5
Where: 2202 W Kirby Ave, Champaign


Festival of Trees
When: December 7
Where: 1901 South High Cross Rd, Urbana

 

Downtown Champaign


Santa at the Parade of LightsParade of Lights
When: November 30
Where: 1901 South High Cross Rd, Urbana

Holiday in Whoville, Virginia Theatre
When: December 8

Where: 1900 S 1st St, Champaign

Homer

 

Homer for the Holidays

When: December 14
Where: 1229 Flicker Drive, 2573 Homer Lake Rd N, Homer

 

Mahomet


Night Lights 2024

When: November 29–December 24 (Fridays & Saturdays)
Where: Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens, Mahomet

 

Mahomet Village Christmas:
When: December 6–10
Where: 414 E Main St, Mahomet

 

Monticello


Holiday Showcase at AllertonHoliday Showcase at Allerton
When: December 6–7
Where: 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello

 

Holiday GLOW at Allerton
When: December 6–7, 8–23, 26–31
Where: 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello

Christmas in Candyland Parade

When: December 7
Where: Downtown Monticello


Santa in the Depot
When: December 13–22
Where: Wabash Depot 200 E Railroad St, Monticello

 

Paxton


Paxton’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony:
When: November 29
Where: 155 N. Market St, Paxton

 

Paxton’s Annual Christmas Parade:
When: November 30
Where: 145 S. Market St, Paxton


Paxton’s Evening Holiday Shopping Event:
When: December 6
Where: 145 S. Market St, Paxton

 

Rantoul

Reindeer at a fence at Hardy's Reindeer Ranch Winter SeasonHardy’s Reindeer Ranch Winter Season

When: Now–December 28
Where: 1356 County Road 2900 N, Rantoul

 

Christmas Parade

When: December 7
Where: Congress Ave, Rantoul

 

St. Joseph


Christmas in St. Joseph
When: December 6
Where: 407 S Main St, St. Joseph

 

St. Joseph Women’s Club Christmas Parade

When: December 14
Where: 207 E Lincoln Ave, St. Joseph

 

We use cookies to ensure that you get the best experience on our website, although the cookies we use do not contain personally identifiable information. By continuing on this website or by clicking “ I Accept Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. You can learn more about our privacy policy, how we use cookies, or how to disable cookies by clicking on the " Learn More " link at the end of this statement. Learn More.

I Accept Cookies I Decline Cookies