by Emma Fleming
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and that means staying indoors to avoid the cold. But that doesn’t have to be the case! There are plenty of events around Champaign-Urbana that get you out of the house. Whether you are wanting a cozy indoor activity or an exciting outdoor evening, there is something for everyone! If you are looking for something to do over winter break, here are 5 events around the area.
The Nutcracker at Krannert
This holiday season, the Champaign Urbana Ballet and the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra will be presenting Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts. Guests are invited to bring items that will help keep the community warm this winter. Coats, hats, gloves, mittens and similar items are what is needed. All the items that are collected will be sent to the Champaign Unit 4 School District and Urbana School District 116. The ballet will be performing Friday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 9. The ticket price for students is $30.
Market IN the Square Holiday Edition
Urbana’s Market at the Square will head indoors for the holidays. The Market will be held in Lincoln Square Mall and focus around gifts and holiday crafts. Vendors like the Champaign Urbana Potters Club will be at the Market; handcrafted pottery makes for a great gift! The Market IN the Square Holiday Edition will be Saturday, Dec. 8, Saturday, Dec. 15 and Saturday Dec. 22 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Even if you are not looking to shop, it is a great event that gets you out of the house!
Holiday Classics at the Virginia
Rudolph and The Grinch aren’t just for little kids! The Virginia Theatre in Champaign will be showing holiday classics that are hard to outgrow this winter break! Some of these classics include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on Thursday, Dec. 6, A Holiday in Whoville on Sunday, Dec. 16 and A Christmas Carol on Friday and Saturday, Dec 21-22. Following A Holiday in Whoville, the Virginia will be providing hot chocolate and trolley rides through downtown Champaign. If you are still in the area this winter break, go catch a holiday classic at the Virginia!
Ice Skating at the U of I Arena
Looking for a cheap holiday date location or just a fun day with friends? Don’t mind falling on your butt? The University of Illinois Ice Arena offers public skating for just $6 and it is open for all ages! The ice rink offers lunch time, afternoon and evening skating sessions. The ice rink is open on Wednesday and Friday nights from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1:30-4 p.m. Lunch time skating sessions are Monday-Friday from 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. This is a great holiday activity if you don’t mind the cold!
Holiday Showcase at Allerton Park
Allerton Park in Monticello will be hosting a holiday showcase on Dec. 8-11. The showcase will include vendors and business from around the area. Food, shopping and holiday crafts will be included in this special showcase. On Friday, the opening night of the showcase, will be the Kirby Winter Wellness Walk. On this walk, one can walk through a Christmas-light wonderland! Along with the illuminating lights, there will be food trucks and music for attendees to enjoy. Attendees will be able to walk through the gardens and the mansion. To add to the enchantment, there will also be carriage rides around the Allerton Estate provided by the Merrybeth Farm Carriage Service. Head to Allerton Park and Retreat Center website for more information about the showcase!
