Last updated: November 22, 2024
Celebrate the joy of the season in Champaign with our ultimate holiday guide. From Champaign old-timers to fresh faces, our guide illuminates the path to holiday cheer.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the Champaign Center Parade of Lights, where dazzling light displays and festive floats create a magical atmosphere as they march through the city streets. Another cherished event is the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert, showcasing beautiful seasonal music performed by talented musicians. And don't forget the German Christmas Market, offering unique crafts and holiday treats. Check out the rest of the page for more festive activities.
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Champaign Holiday Light Displays
Champaign Center Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Candy Cane Lane theme with festive floats and holiday games.
- Description
- The Champaign Center Parade of Lights is a free community event that kicks off the holiday season with an indoor market, horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, and more.
- Where
- Champaign | More Info : Champaign Center Parade of Lights
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
- What to Expect
- Free holiday light displays with complimentary hot chocolate.
- Description
- Enjoy holiday lights for free every Thursday to Sunday at Prairie Farm, featuring festive light displays and complimentary hot chocolate on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Where
- Champaign | More Info : Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Gibson City Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Unique floats and lighted entries celebrating the spirit of "A Christmas Carol."
- Description
- This year's Gibson City Lighted Christmas Parade will feature a theme inspired by "A Christmas Carol," with custom entries from families, businesses, churches, and organizations showcasing lighted and Christmas-themed displays.
- Where
- Gibson City | More Info : Gibson City Christmas Parade
Champaign Holiday Markets and Shopping
German Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and seasonal items available for purchase.
- Description
- The Riggs Christmas Market in Urbana offers a festive outdoor shopping experience with local vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal items like stained glass, beer soap, and Christmas cookies. Enjoy hot beverages like Glühwein and hot chocolate while bundled up with your friends and family.
- Where
- Urbana | More Info : German Christmas Market
Holiday Maker Market
- What to Expect
- Supporting local youth and families through the Fab Lab Summer Camp Scholarship Fund.
- Description
- The Holiday Maker Market at the Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab features local makers selling one-of-a-kind gifts, customizable ornaments, and handmade goods.
- Where
- Urbana | More Info : Holiday Maker Market
Champaign Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- A breathtaking procession of illuminated floats through the heart of the city.
- Description
- The Parade of Lights showcases a stunning array of illuminated floats and marching bands. Families gather along the streets of Champaign, celebrating the community spirit and the winter season with festive music and delightful displays. Local organizations and schools participate, creating a vibrant spectacle that lights up the evening sky.
- Where
- Champaign | More Info : Parade of Lights
Champaign-Urbana Ballet "The Nutcracker"
- What to Expect
- Classic ballet performance featuring local dancers and elaborate sets.
- Description
- This annual ballet performance captivates audiences with its classic storytelling and exquisite choreography. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the production showcases talented dancers from the Champaign-Urbana Ballet alongside beautiful sets and costumes, bringing the tale of Clara and her magical journey to life.
- Where
- Champaign | More Info : Champaign-Urbana Ballet "The Nutcracker"
Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
- What to Expect
- A festive holiday concert with performances from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride.
- Description
- The Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra's holiday concert, Season of Glory, features the beautiful voices of the Central Illinois Youth Chorus and the University of Illinois Oratorio Society performing Vivaldi's Gloria and other joyous works.
- Where
- Urbana | More Info : Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Holiday in Whoville
- What to Expect
- Screening of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas on a large movie screen.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in this cherished holiday tradition by watching Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Virginia’s 52-foot-wide movie screen. Enjoy pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, and trolley rides through Downtown Champaign.
- Where
- Champaign | More Info : Holiday in Whoville
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