Urbana Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Urbana and surrounding areas
Urbana celebrates the Christmas season across the University District and downtown with sparkling Christmas lights, seasonal performances, and community activities. From The Nutcracker to the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra's Good Tidings! Holiday Concert and family shows like the Holiday Magic Chemistry Demonstration Show, local venues offer festive entertainment near historic Green Street. Explore Christmas markets and holiday attractions, find things to do for every age, and enjoy Urbana’s welcoming blend of lights, music, and seasonal charm this winter.
Find the best Urbana Christmas happenings this year!
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Editor's Picks (6)
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The Nutcracker
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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Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Good Tidings! Holiday Concert
(Champaign)
Holiday concert featuring symphony orchestra and multiple choirs
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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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Holiday Showcase GLOW Opening Night
(Monticello)
Enchanting GLOW light display opening night
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Shows Near Urbana
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Urbana.
The Nutcracker
Step into a world of enchantment with Champaign Urbana Ballet's production of The...
View full details →Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Good Tidings! Holiday Concert
Get into the holiday spirit with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra's 'Good Tidings!' concert....
View full details →Holiday in Whoville
Step into the whimsical world of Whoville for a cherished holiday tradition! This...
View full details →Christmas Lights Near Urbana
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Urbana.
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Experience the magic of Winter Nights at Prairie Farm, a free holiday light...
View full details →Holiday Showcase GLOW Opening Night
Step into a world of holiday magic at the Holiday Showcase GLOW Opening...
View full details →Trees on the Tees
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Trees on the Tees, a...
View full details →Christmas Parties Near Urbana
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Urbana.
Women's Christmas Celebration
This annual Women's Christmas Celebration offers a heartwarming start to the holiday season....
View full details →Urbana Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Urbana
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Urbana!
Urbana Christmas FAQ
While specific events vary, Urbana often sees major holiday celebrations centered around the University of Illinois campus and downtown area, including tree lightings and community gatherings.
Urbana's holiday traditions often blend community spirit with university influences, featuring events that celebrate local culture and academic festivities.
Residential neighborhoods throughout Urbana, particularly those with active community associations, tend to have the most impressive Christmas light displays.
Look for holiday markets and craft fairs hosted by local organizations, community centers, and sometimes on the University of Illinois campus during the festive season.
Enjoying neighborhood light displays, attending free public tree lighting ceremonies, and exploring festive window decorations downtown are excellent free options.
Families often enjoy visiting Santa, attending holiday-themed shows at venues like the Krannert Center, and exploring festive community events throughout the city.