CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — There’s always something to do in the area, and with the holiday season in full swing, Chambana Today has compiled a few events from the next few days to keep you busy!
December 6
Mistletoe Market
Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana, Illinois
Get into the holiday spirit and do some gift shopping at the Mistletoe Market 2025. A celebration of locally crafted goods and gifts await you at Lincoln Square Mall, with many small local and regional creative businesses awaiting you inside!
When: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Reindeer Experience Tour
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, 1356 County Road, 2900 North, Rantoul, Illinois
Head on over to Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch for a tour to see their reindeer, who have been flown in from Alaska. Tickets are $12 a person, and you will be given a treat to feed the reindeer and even the chance to give a reindeer kiss if you’re brave enough!
When: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Also on December 7)
December 7
Carriage Rides at Allerton Park & Retreat Center
Allerton Park & Retreat Center 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello, Illinois
Become a part of winter wonderland with a carriage ride at Allerton Park, thanks to Merrybeth Farm Carriage Services and their picturesque horse-drawn carriages. Rides will depart every 15 minutes from the Mansion Courtyard to take you on a ride through the tree and garden-lined roadways of Allerton that are a sight to behold during the holiday season. Registration is required, and the cost is $15 per ride, including up to four adults and tow children.
The carriage rides take place during the Holiday Showcase Weekend, which requires separate registration.
When: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Riggs Christmas Market
Riggs Beer Company, 1901 S. High Cross Road, Urbana, Illinois
Come celebrate the holiday season German style with a hot spiced wine at Riggs Christmas Market. Gluhwein and hot chocolate will be available both inside and outside. Local vendors will also be on-site to give you a traditional German Christmas experience, with the chance to get your Christmas shopping done at the same time.
When: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00p.m. (Also on December 7)
December 8
Wintertime Storytime at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, 3902 S. Duncan Road, Champaign, Illinois
Head over to Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch to listen to a winter tale, participate in a sing-a-long, play games, and enjoy a snack. Geared towards those ages eight and under and their caregivers, the Curtis Orchard Cafe will be a great spot for you to enjoy some holiday cheer and then do some gift shopping at the Country Store!
When: 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Holiday Card Photo Op at Virginia Theatre
The Virginia Theatre, 203 West Park Avenue, Champaign, Illinois
The Virginia Theatre’s beautifully decorated Mezzanine Lobby has been opened up for photographs this holiday season free of charge! Bring your favorite camera or have a photographer come with you to the Virginia Theatre, and capture a special memory for the whole family.
Time slots and reservations are not needed — the event is first-come, first-served, but sessions are limited to 10 minutes.
When: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00p.m.