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

 

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

 

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