Santa Claus is coming to town early to help spread joy throughout Champaign. Grown ups, don’t forget your camera when you checkout the 6 ways you can meet Santa with us this holiday season!
1. Virginia Theatre: Meet Santa | FREE!
Dates:
- Wednesday, December 1, 2021 – 5-7PM
- Wednesday, December 8, 2021 – 5-7PM
- Friday, December10, 2021 – 5-7PM
Visit The Virginia Theatre website for event & COVID-19 information.
2. Winter Nights at Prairie Farm Opening Night | FREE!
Opening Night: November 26, 2021
Enjoy holiday lights every Thursday through Sunday, starting November 26 – January 2 at Prairie Farm. This will be an accessible experience featuring festive light displays throughout the farm. Bring your cocoa and enjoy a journey through a winter wonderland!
Join us for opening night on November 26 to meet Santa, listen to carolers, and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate!
Each day after opening night, support the Champaign Parks Foundation when you purchase a hot chocolate to enjoy while you peruse the lights! $2, cash only.
3. Parade of Lights Parade | FREE!
Join us at the 21st Parade of Lights presented by Christie Clinic on Saturday, November 27! We will be part of the parade that’s escorting the big man himself through downtown.
Visit with Santa at Big Grove Tavern: >>
Santa’s coming to town early this year! Your little ones will get a chance to meet with the big guy early this year when Santa visits Downtown Champaign during the Parade of Lights on Nov. 27. Join us by the fire at Big Grove Tavern while we eat cookies and snap pictures with good ole Saint Nick himself.-Champaign Center Partnership
4. Holiday in Whoville | Fee: $4, children under 2 are free
All Ages
Join us for a real holiday treat! Watch Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 TV short) with screenings at 1p, 2p, 3p, and 4p. Concessions will not be available nor can food be brought into the theatre. During the event, we will have pictures with Santa and trolley rides through Downtown Champaign.
Trolley Ride Line: The line will close to new participants at 4p. Anyone in line after 4p will still get their chance to ride.
Fee: $4, children under 2 are free. Tickets available at the door or online at thevirginia.org
Questions: zoe.southlynn@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3931
5. Zoom with Santa | FREE!
Santa wanted to do something extra special this year! So he learned about Zoom and set out to spread some holiday cheer. We scheduled the big guy for not one…not two…but THREE Tuesday evenings this December for Zoom with Santa! He also has his head Sign Language Interpreting elf available for kiddos and adults video chatting with Santa.
Deadline: December 1, 5p
Max: 20 per day
Questions: william.schoell@champaignparks.org
6. Pizza & Pajamas with Santa | Fee (R/NR): $8/$12 per person
Join us to celebrate the holiday season! Enjoy holiday themed crafts, music and a visit from Santa. Each guest will get to enjoy pizza, cookie, and a drink while hanging out with Santa. Don’t forget to dress in your favorite holiday jammies! Participants must register. To register call 217-398-2573.
Please Note: Mask are required
Fee (R/NR): $8/$12 per person
Deadline: November 29, 2021
Volunteer Opportunities Available!
We have lots of volunteer opportunities this season. If you are able to give your time to help your community events grown, please visit our volunteer page!
