Champaign Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Champaign and surrounding areas
Champaign celebrates the holiday season with Christmas markets and festive events centered on downtown and the Orpheum Theater area. The Champaign Center Parade of Lights, Winter Nights at Prairie Farm, and Holiday in Whoville provide lively seasonal attractions and neighborhood lights. With seasonal concerts, markets, and family activities, Champaign offers plenty of things to do that pair local charm with holiday lights and community entertainment for a joyful festive season.
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Christmas Markets
5 eventsOver 130 decorated trees and wreaths for charity.
Other Christmas Activities
8 eventsAnnual Christmas Tree Lighting with live reindeer
Editor's Picks (6)
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The Nutcracker
(Urbana)
Tchaikovsky's holiday classic performed by Champaign Urbana Ballet
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Festival of Trees
(Danville)
Over 130 decorated trees and wreaths for charity.
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8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
(Decatur)
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with live reindeer
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The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees
(Bloomington)
Reimagined holiday festival with diverse events and attractions.
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Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Good Tidings! Holiday Concert
Holiday concert featuring symphony orchestra and multiple choirs
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Champaign Center Parade of Lights
25th Anniversary Parade of Lights with 'Silver Bells' theme
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Lights Near Champaign
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Champaign.
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Free holiday light displays at Prairie Farm
Holiday Showcase GLOW Opening Night
Enchanting GLOW light display opening night
Trees on the Tees
Drive-through holiday light display on golf carts
Christmas Shows Near Champaign
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Champaign.
Holiday in Whoville
Screening of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' with Santa and trolley rides.
Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Good Tidings! Holiday Concert
Holiday concert featuring symphony orchestra and multiple choirs
The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky's holiday classic performed by Champaign Urbana Ballet
Christmas Parties Near Champaign
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Champaign.
Women's Christmas Celebration
Inspirational morning with author Debbie Alsdorf
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Champaign Christmas FAQ
Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded. Peak times are weekends in December, especially closer to Christmas.
Most events offer on-site parking. Check individual event pages for specific parking information and fees.
Most venues are accessible. Contact individual events for specific accessibility accommodations.