The holidays are almost here, and we’re thrilled to have a holly jolly season with you! Enjoy our lineup of activities and special events for all ages to get into the spirit of the season.
Browse the events below or explore everything our calendar has to offer for the rest of 2026.
Let’s get to celebrating!
Holiday Card Photo Op at the Virginia Theatre
📅 Nov 16, Nov 23, Dec 9, & Dec 11
⏰ 5-7pm
📍 Virginia Theatre
🎟️ Free!
Take your holiday card photos in the Virginia’s beautifully decorated Mezzanine Lobby!
First-come, first-served! No reservations needed.
Bring your own camera. No pets allowed. Please limit photo session to 10 minutes.
Meet Santa at the Virginia Theatre
📅 Nov 17, Dec 8, Dec 10, & Dec 21
⏰ 5-7pm
📍 Virginia Theatre
🎟️ Free!
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Champaign Center Partnership and the Champaign Park District are excited to again welcome jolly old St. Nick to the Virginia Theatre.
Reservations required. Please only reserve one time slot for your whole group.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (1992) Film Screening
📅 Sat, Nov 21
⏰ 7pm
📍 Virginia Theatre
🎟️ $7
The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge.
Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
📅 Thu-Sun, Nov 27-Dec 31
⏰ 5-9pm
📍 Prairie Farm
🎟️ Free!
Enjoy this beloved light display at Prairie Farm! Interact with farm animals, take photos with your family and friends, and enjoy hot cocoa on Fridays & Saturdays.
On opening night (11/27) only, meet Santa and enjoy music from carolers!
CU Ballet Presents THE NUTCRACKER
📅 Fri, Dec 4-Sun, Dec 6
⏰ Various times
📍 Virginia Theatre
🎟️ $19-$48
For the first time on the Virginia Theatre’s stage, audiences of all ages will be captivated by the thrilling battle of mice and soldiers and the dazzling scenes of snow and sweets.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) Film Screening
📅 Sat, Dec 12
⏰ 1pm & 7pm
📍 Virginia Theatre
🎟️ $7
Enjoy the cherished holiday tradition of viewing the classic It’s a Wonderful Life at the Virginia Theatre!
Holiday in Whoville
📅 Sun, Dec 13
⏰ 12-5pm
📍 Virginia Theatre
🎟️ $4
Watch the classic 1966 television short, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, meet Santa and the Grinch, enjoy hot chocolate, and take a trolley ride around downtown Champaign!
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis
📅 Tue, Dec 15
⏰ 7pm
📍 Virginia Theatre
🎟️ $59.50+
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 40 years!
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
📅 Thu, Dec 17
⏰ 5-7pm
📍 Douglass Community Center
🎟️ Free!
Enjoy festive activities, holiday crafts, games, seasonal entertainment, visits with Frosty and other winter friends, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting holiday memories with family and friends.
Teen Holiday Party
📅 Thu, Dec 17
⏰ 3-7pm
📍 Douglass Annex
🎟️ Free!
Enjoy a holiday party just for teens, complete with pizza, video gaming, and more!
School ID required.
Santa’s Workshop at CU Special Recreation
This event is adapted for youth ages 5-12 with disabilities.
📅 Fri, Dec 18
⏰ 6-7pm
📍 CUSR Center
🎟️ $10 residents/$15 non-residents
Step into Santa’s Workshop! Experience the magic of the North Pole at this enchanting event. Activities include toy-making, decorating cookies, letter writing to Santa, and singalong sessions.
CU Special Recreation Winter Wonderland Ball
This event is adapted for adults ages 18+ with disabilities.
📅 Sun, Dec 20
⏰ 6-8pm
📍 CUSR Center
🎟️ $50 residents/$75 non-residents
We’re walking in a Winter Wonderland…celebrate the holidays at our Winter Wonderland Ball. Dinner will be served, and the dance floor will be open.
Noon Year’s Eve Drop
📅 Thu, Dec 31
⏰ 11am-1pm
📍 Martens Center
🎟️ Free!
On December 31, families can ring in the new year at noon, as thousands of balloons cascade down at Martens Center. It’s a celebration like no other — complete with activities, music, noisemakers, and a countdown to the big moment.
