With two free family friendly events this weekend, the Champaign Public Library is a great local resource. Looking for holiday gifts? Shop local at the CPL FriendShop Bookstore.
Thank you to Champaign Public Library for sponsoring this week’s weekend planner!
Champaign Public Library offers remarkable resources for area families. Don’t miss out on this weekend’s events, including Read to the Dogs on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Jazz Vocalist Kristin Sponcia performing live on Sunday starting at 2 p.m. Great for the entire family and completely free!
Have you discovered the FriendShop Bookstore? During November, kids’ items are 50% off, including specially priced books. It’s the perfect place to shop local for used books, CDs, and movies—most of the 20,000 items are $2 or less. Great for gifts! Staffed by a group of volunteers, every purchase benefits the library. Selected titles are available online. Open 11–5 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday, and 1:30–5 p.m. Sunday. Elevator to lower level.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Champaign-Urbana is all about the holiday season this weekend. Looking for some more holiday fun in Champaign-Urbana? Check out our Gigantic Holiday Fun Guide.
Thanks again to Champaign Public Library for sponsoring our weekend planner!
Our Weekend Picks:
What: The Snow Queen A New Musical
Where: The Virginia Theatre
When: Thurs-Sat, November 19-21, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (with a 2:00 p.m. matinee Saturday)
How much: Adults $12; Children (12 and under) $10; (For children 2 and under, please call the box office)
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Kids love Frozen? This brand new musical is based on the Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, and is sure to delight with kooky characters, rock numbers, and more! Performed by the talented children of the Champaign Park District’s Youth Theatre program, grades 5-8.
What: 20th Annual Festival of Trees
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, Champaign, (Kirby and Neil)
When: Saturday, November 21, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, November 22, 10:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.
How much:$5 adults; $3 children 4-12 and seniors; children 3 and under FREE
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: See beautiful holiday decorations, visit with Santa Claus, and enjoy performances by local talent. Win raffle and silent auction prizes, and shop the holiday gift gallery. A great fundraiser for an organizer devoted to helping C-U families, the Junior League of Champaign-Urbana. This is an annual tradition of Champaign-Urbana not be missed.
What: Arthur Community Christmas Kickoff and Lighted Parade
Where: Downtown Arthur
When: Saturday, November 21, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
How much: Free; food and crafts for sale.
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: Downtown Arthur invites you to join them to kick off the holiday season! There will be storewide sales, entertainment, live reindeer, free food and drinks. Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride while you’re here. Kids will get a chance to visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Relax and nibble on cookies and sip on hot chocolate served in Knights Court located in the central part of the downtown area. The highlight of the evening is a huge lighted holiday parade on main street at 5:30 p.m.
What: Gibson City Lighted Holiday Parade
Where: Gibson City (see route below)
When: Saturday, November 21, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: We love a parade, and we especially love a lighted holiday parade! Bundle up and bring your blankets and hot chocolate (and cameras!) for the Gibson City Lighted Holiday Parade! At 6:30 p.m., the parade starts on South Wood Street near County Market, making its way along First Street to Sangamon Avenue, where it turns north and moves down Tenth Street. At 4 p.m., Santa Claus will also make a special appearance to spread the holiday spirit with Christmas stories and more.
What: 2015 Farmer City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
Where: Farmer City (see route below)
When: Sunday, Nov. 22, 2:00- 3:00 p.m
How much: Free
Appropriate for: All ages
Why you should go: One of the largest Christmas parades in Central Illinois! Starting at the Farmer City Fairgrounds, the route proceeds down Main Street through the business district. Farmer City is about 20 minutes northwest of Champaign; take I-74.
What: Santa’s Secret Star
Where: William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College
When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:00-8:00 p.m. (this show runs on Saturday nights throughout the holiday season)
How much: Tickets are $5 for adults; $4 for students, seniors, and kids under 12, all sold at the door.
Appropriate for: All ages
Why You Should Go: Young stargazes learn how they can find Santa’s Secret Star in this new holiday show at the Staerkel Planetarium.
Looking for more family-friendly things to do this weekend? There are plenty more options, so check our events calendar, sponsored by Busey.