December is here, and I have the scoop on all things Holiday.

Welcome to your guide to December holiday happenings in Champaign-Urbana!

As a lifelong local and University of Illinois Graduate, I’ve spent countless seasons exploring our community’s heartwarming holiday traditions and festive events. Whether you’re a fan of twinkling lights, cozying up with holiday treats, dancing the night away, or finding unique gifts at local markets, this guide has something for everyone.

There are tons of events going down within the next few weeks. If you see one you think I should know about or attend, please fill out the contact form or send @agirlaboutcu a DM on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

Enjoy!

12/6 Midnight Market

Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center

202 S Broadway Ave in Urbana, IL

6 - 10 PM

Attend this student-run vintage flea market with an open mic for free! Shop sustainably and support local artists + vendors. There will be art, clothes, antiques, records, CDs, tapes, and jewelry! Learn more on their IG.

12/7 Holiday Card Making with CU Girls Who Walk

Urbana Free Library

202 S Broadway Ave in Urbana, IL

10am - 4pm

Join Champaign-Urbana Girls Who Walk for a lovely afternoon of holiday card making at the stunning Urbana Free Library. Materials and light snacks will be provided.

Bring along the little ones or a friend, or by yourself is perfect too! This is a great opportunity to make some new friends. Learn more.

Allerton Park Holiday GLOW

December 6th - 7th | 8-23 | 26-31

5 - 9 PM

$10 per person. Don’t miss out on this area-wide favorite every year to get yourself into the Holiday spirit and witness a truly magical light display across Allerton Park.

Layer up so you can truly enjoy the experience—and try to make it out when it’s snowing! The opening weekend showcase is Friday, December 6th and 7th from 5 - 9 PM, and there will be food trucks + a cash bar! Learn more.

11/22 - 12/31 CU Holiday Art Crawl

The perfect way to shop around CU and get entered to win any 16X20 painting by the talented Leslie Kimble!

There’s a great list of local businesses participating in this art crawl. Support local this Holiday season by purchasing gifts for your loved one at one of these 12 locations. Learn more.

12/7 & 12/8 Parlor Doughnuts Grand Opening

8 AM - 4 PM

1757 W. Kirby Ave in Champaign, IL

Their famous layered doughnuts and expertly crafted espresso drinks have finally arrived in the CU just in time for the Holidays!

11/29/24 - 1/5/25 Winter Nights at Prairie Farm

Every Thursday - Sunday night from 5-9 PM

Enjoy accessible festive light displays throughout Prairie Farms! They will be serving up complimentary hot chocolate on Friday & Saturday nights.

Stay tuned for my video feature dropping soon! Learn more.

12/7 TOAD-ally Awesome Art Hop-up

Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center

202 S Broadway Ave in Urbana, IL

10am - 4pm

Free admission and parking!

The friendliest & coziest little holiday art market taking place in the heart of Downtown Urbana next to Lincoln Square Mall. Shop from local artists who will be displaying fine art paintings, drawings, fiber/textile art, pottery, jewelry, photography, and more.

Hospice Hearts Animal Rescue will be there hosting a meet & greet adoption event and Prism Studios will be hosting free paint & take activities for attendees.

Learn more.

12/7 Gameday Spirit Stadium Sale

9 AM - 1 PM

Gate 10 at Memorial Stadium

Attend to score deals up to 80% off Fighting Illini gear! Free parking available at State Farm Center and in lot 31. Learn more.

Riggs Christmas Market 2024

12/6-12/8 | 12/13 - 12/15 | 12/20 - 12/22

Bundle up for this lovely German-style Christmas market with food, craft vendors, hot spiced wine, and so much more! Read all about it and view the full list of vendors like Watson’s Chicken and The Wright Soapery here.

12/10 Christmas Movie Trivia Night

6 to 8 PM at Harvest Market

A free Christmas Movie Trivia Night at the Farmhouse!

Test your knowledge of holiday films & enjoy some festive competition. Registration is required. Winners of each round receive a $5 gift card, and the top team wins a $50 gift card. Enjoy $5 festive Margs in the Mezz! Sign up here.

12/14 Make Your Own Custom Gift Wrap

Literary Book Bar at 6:00 PM

Make your own beautiful gift wrapping paper using old scraps with the help of local artist, Leslie Kimble!

12/14 Powerpop Girl Night at Gallery Art Bar

8 PM - 2 AM

119 W Main Street in Urbana, IL

Enjoy a night of dancing to your favorite tunes from Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX spun by DJ Sparr.

12/15 Goats + Yoga + Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!

11 AM at Alto Vineyards

Goats dressed in ugly Christmas sweaters plus wine and yoga at Alto is as good as it gets! It’s a super informal class, and if you’re not really that into yoga—just cuddle with a goat instead! Ticket price is $45 dollars and includes one alcoholic beverage. Grab tickets or learn more here.