The festive season has arrived in Urbana! Discover all the must-see holiday events with our guide. For Urbana natives and holiday travelers, this guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.
One highlight of the season is the Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night, which features a dazzling display of lights and festive decorations throughout the venue. The Holiday Showcase on Saturday is packed with artisan vendors and live entertainment, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. And the Holiday Showcase on Sunday is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering family-friendly activities and a chance to find unique gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Urbana
- Holiday GLOW (Monticello)
- Holiday Showcase (Sunday) (Monticello)
- Holiday Showcase (Saturday) (Monticello)
- Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night (Monticello)
- Holiday Affair (Monticello)
- Holiday Mansion Tours (Monticello)
- Winter Solstice Bonfire (Monticello)
- Sweets With Santa (Monticello)
- Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa (Monticello)
- Champaign Center Parade of Lights (Champaign)
See these and even more events listed below!
Urbana Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night
What to Expect:
Illuminated gardens and live musical performances.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with an evening of illuminated gardens, local vendors, and special musical performances at Allerton Park.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night
Holiday GLOW
What to Expect:
Stroll through lighted statuary and gardens.
Description:
Explore Allerton's statuary and gardens through a stroll of lighted artwork and illuminated sculptures, creating a serene and festive atmosphere.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday GLOW
Champaign Center Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with festive activities and light displays.
Description:
The Champaign Center Parade of Lights is a free community event that marks the official start of the holiday season. It features an indoor market, horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, and more festive activities. The parade itself starts at 6 pm, with pre-parade activities beginning at 1 pm.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Champaign Center Parade of Lights
Gibson City Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven celebration with pre-lit floats and custom entries.
Description:
Gibson City's Lighted Christmas Parade celebrates traditions with colorful floats, pre-lit displays, and community involvement, honoring those who keep the town safe, healthy, and happy.
Where: Gibson City | More Info: Gibson City Christmas Parade
Season of Light
What to Expect:
Community celebration with festive floats and holiday activities.
Description:
The Champaign Center Parade of Lights is a free community event celebrating the holiday season with an indoor market, horse carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, and more. Pre-parade activities start at 1 pm, and the parade begins at 6 pm.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Season of Light
Urbana Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Showcase (Saturday)
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with live music and festive food options.
Description:
The Holiday Showcase at Allerton Park features specially selected artisans and businesses selling unique products, handcrafted wares, and baked goods. Enjoy traditional holiday music by LeeAnn Capace and Judy Deverell, and take a stroll through the illuminated gardens of Holiday GLOW.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase (Saturday)
Holiday Showcase (Sunday)
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with artisanal goods and Afternoon Tea.
Description:
Celebrate the season at the Holiday Showcase, featuring specially selected artisans and businesses selling unique products, handcrafted wares, and baked goods. Enjoy a splendid selection of English tea and sweet and savory delights at our Afternoon Tea, served with antique China. A cash champagne-mimosa bar and limited menu at the Greenhouse Café are also available.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase (Sunday)
Holiday Cheers Market
What to Expect:
Recurring holiday market with diverse gift options.
Description:
The Holiday Cheers Market is a recurring event featuring vendors selling items that make great gifts during the holidays. It offers a diverse selection of products, making it an ideal market for all types of vendors.
Where: Alton | More Info: Holiday Cheers Market
Urbana Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Affair
What to Expect:
Elegant holiday ball with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and live music.
Description:
The Holiday Affair presented by Ion is an elegant evening at Allerton Park & Retreat Center, featuring a welcome glass of champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar during cocktail hour. Dinner, served by Chef DeAngelo Newson, includes complimentary wine and post-dinner music and dancing. Black tie is optional, and vegetarian meals are available upon request.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Affair
Santa's Secret Star
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with live band and cabaret show.
Description:
Embark on a journey through eight immersive holiday installations to uncover Santa's best-kept secret, a vintage speakeasy featuring live music, cabaret, and burlesque performances.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Santa's Secret Star
Urbana Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Mansion Tours
What to Expect:
Intimate look at holiday celebrations in historic rooms.
Description:
Explore Monticello's historic rooms and iconic Dome Room after dark, decorated with holiday greenery. Learn about the holiday celebrations of enslaved and free residents who lived on the mountaintop.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Mansion Tours
Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly holiday celebration with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Children can chat with Santa, get their picture taken, hear a story from Mrs. Claus, create crafts, and enjoy festive treats in a quieter environment at Allerton Mansion.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa
Sweets With Santa
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, hear a story from Mrs. Claus, create crafts, and nibble on festive treats at the Allerton Mansion.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Sweets With Santa
Winter Solstice Bonfire
What to Expect:
Traditional winter solstice celebration with bonfire and festive activities.
Description:
Celebrate the winter solstice with a bonfire in the Allerton Meadow, strolling through Holiday GLOW, and shopping at The Farms Winter Market. Enjoy meals from food trucks and beverages from the bar.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Winter Solstice Bonfire
Farmer City Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Large-scale community celebration with diverse parade entries.
Description:
The Farmer City Christmas Parade is a festive event featuring over 100 floats, marching bands, antique cars, and Shrine groups. It is a highlight of the holiday season in Central Illinois, celebrating with community spirit and holiday cheer.
Where: Farmer City | More Info: Farmer City Christmas Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Danville (31 miles)
- Charleston (42 miles)
- Decatur (44 miles)