URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The City of Urbana invites citizens to kick off the third annual Trees and Lights from Around the World  (TLAW) 2024.

TLAW started off as a small business event three years ago and has grown into a signficant event in Urbana with 35 businesses/participants. This year, Urbana’s small businesses will come together to celebrate the holiday with trees and window displays that highlight unique culture and heritage and tells its very own story.

TLAW will kick off with a Mayoral ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, December 7 at noon at the northeast corner of Main and Race Street. The even will continue throughout the holiday season to celebrate Urbana’s rich culture and diversity as well as promoting small businesses.

Here are the list of participating businesses:

  • Siam Terrace: Tree from Thailandf
  • Pipapo’: Northern German Christmas Tree
  • C4A: Music
  • Cohen Building: Window Art – Trees and Lights from Around the World
  • Sakura Restaurant: Window Art – Peace Pole and You Belong Here
  • El Paraiso: Tree from South America
  • Rick’s Bakery and Cafe: Tree from Mexico
  • Cinema Gallery: Tree of Original Art
  • Jeff Brann and the Island – Therapeutic Massage Therapy: Happy and Healthy Holidays!
  • Gilbert Gallery: Greek Tree + Ornaments
  • Heel to Toe: Window Art – Walking in a Winter Wonderland
  • Courier Cafe: Vintage Tree
  • Analog: Tree of Wine
  • BR Bike and Repair: Bicicletas
  • Baldorotta’s: Trees from Italy
  • Rose Bowl: Honky Tonk Christmas Tree
  • Bunny’s Tavern: Holiday Inflatables
  • Silver Creek: Urbana Tree
  • H2O Salon and Spa
  • Beads N Botanical: A Very Merry Crystal Christmas & Yule
  • Tres Nopales: El Tres Pino Chapin
  • Bohemia: Peace on Earth
  • Main Scoop Ice Cream
  • Enchantment Alley: Seasons Change/Hope Renews
  • Encanto: Tree from Peru and Mexico
  • Casablanca Bazar “The Beauty of Light”
  • Lincoln Square Hall: Tree with Santa
  • Catch My Thrift: Peace Wreath
  • Strictly Wicks Candle Company: Puerto Rican Caribbean Christmas & Three Kings Day
  • Idea Store: Happy Holidays
  • Urbana Acupuncture LLC: Happy Holidays
  • Cloud Mountain Kombucha: Kombucha Bottle Tree
  • Common Ground Food Co-op: Home for the Holidays
  • City Hall: Urbana City Clerk’s Office: “Pretty in Pink,” themed after Barbie
  • Glow By Lola: Wellness Tree
  • La Mixteca: Tree and Display from Mexico

That’s not all. Here is a list of events happening around the Champaign-Urbana area:

  • PostMark December Event
    • Hosted by Champaign County’s 40 North 88 West
    • Downtown from 12 to 4 p.m.
  • Mistletoe Market
    • Sponsored by Norden at Home
    • Creations by artists and artisans for sale at Lincoln Square Mall
    • From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Immersive Light Pop-up
    • Featured by Urbana Arts & Culture program
    • Downtown from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Holiday and Cultural Window Art
    • Created by local artist Leslie Kimble
  • Lunch and Dinner Specials
    • Featured at local Urbana restaurants
    • Offering flavors from around the world
  • Local Small Business Shopping
    • Variety of unique gift ideas
  • Music Around Urbana
    • Rose Bowl Tavern
      • Live music at 2 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.
    • Urbana High School Choir
      • Caroling at 3 p.m. on Main Street
  • Map of Trees and Lights
    • Available at the PostMark hub in Bohemia
    • Located at 135 West Main Street from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday
    • PostMark maps and commemorative postcards available