rubeldebnath2: 2012 Champaign-Urbana Winter Holiday Fun Guide: December

There is so much happening in Champaign-Urbana over the winter holidays this December that we?re giving you a head start.

We?ve got the lowdown on all the?family-friendly Christmas, Hanukkah and other?holiday events in and around Champaign-Urbana. Plenty of?these events require pre-registration, so be sure to plan ahead.

We will list these chronologically by start date.?Have we missed any events??Let us know?? ?and check back often to see what we?ve added. We are just getting started, because we know there will be an avalanche of local holiday events to enjoy as we head into December. (We?ve got?November events?listed separately).

Ongoing events:

Hardy?s Reindeer Ranch:?Reindeer tours, Christmas trees, and more. Open daily through Dec. 29 (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).

Santa?s Secret Star Film:?Learn about the day and night sky and how the stars seem to make pictures in the sky in our holiday show for young stargazers. Head to the?Staerkel Planetarium?to learn how YOU, too, can find Santa?s secret star! Every Saturday night from Nov. 3 through Dec. 15, at 7 p.m.

Santa Arrives at Marketplace Mall:?Santa comes to Champaign-Urbana starting on Nov. 23 and will be in town through Dec. 24. Free Hugs, Free Smiles, Free Wishes and of course Free HO HO HOs!?Santa has made his way from the North Pole and is ready to greet children of all ages. Holiday photo packages are also available.

Holiday Market in Lincoln Square:?Every Saturday starting Nov. 10 until Dec. 15, 8am ? 1 p.m.?Come out to enjoy the festivities, music, Santa and gift wrapping. The market will feature merchants from Champaign-Urbana, and the surrounding area, selling products made or grown in Illinois, including fresh produce, baked goods, and tons of arts and crafts.

Season Of Light:??Season of Light? at the Staerkel Planetarium?traces the history and development of many of the world?s holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season. This show also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice ? not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions. Shows Friday-Saturday nights, Dec. 1, 7,8, 14, 15 Dec. 17, at 8 p.m.

The?2012 Crisis Nursery Children?s Holiday Shop?will again feature a full one week schedule, from?December ?1-8, at Lincoln Square in Urbana.?Hours are:?Saturday, December 1: 9am-5pm;?Sunday, December 2: 12-5pm;?Monday, December 3: 4-7pm;?Tuesday, December 4: 4-7pm (Parents Only! For one night, caregivers are allowed in the store to do their own holiday shopping!);?Wednesday, December 5: 4-7pm;?Thursday, December 6: 4-7pm;?Friday, December 7: 4-7pm;?Saturday, December 8: 9am-5pm.?The Children?s Holiday Shop is a wonderful place for children to do their own holiday shopping. ?Children arrive at our store with their shopping list in hand and money tucked away safely in their pocket. A volunteer then assists the child through the store and helps them budget their money as they pick out gifts (between $2 and $8 dollars) for their family and friends.When the children are done picking out their gifts, they pay for them and wrap them in festively decorated bags. As they leave the shop, children are always full of pride with the items they have picked out on their own and an understanding that it is just as great to give as it is to receive!

Snow Globe Saturdays at the Orpheum Children?s Museum in Champaign:??December 1, 8, 15, and 22nd, 1-5 p.m. Spend an enchanted time in a winter wonderland inside the Orpheum Theater?s own snow globe featuring indoor sledding, snowman making, snow ball throwing, ice fishing, and more! Bring your wish list for Santa and enjoy sounds of the season floating through the glittery air. After a couple of runs down the snow hill, return to the Orpheum?s mezzanine for hot chocolate, treats, and crafts. $6 members, $8 nonmembers, family pack 4 for $28.

Champaign Urbana Ballet Presents The Nutcracker:?Who doesn?t love the ?Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy?? ?The Nutcracker? features company dancers from Champaign Urbana Ballet, along with children from the Champaign-Urbana community. This local production is performed at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8; and 3; and 2 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2, 8 and9. ?and 4. For more information, visit the?Champaign Urbana Ballet?online.

Home for the Holidays Christmas Spectacular at The Little Theater on the Square:??This all new musical review, which?runs Dec. 7-16,?is perfect for the entire family. Follow one family with a son overseas during the holidays and his wishes to be at home celebrating with his family. Featuring fantastic USO style holiday songs paying tribute to The Andrews Sister and Bing Crosby, high-kicking dance numbers, a beautiful telling of the Nativity, and of course the big man in red himself, this is a show you will not want to miss. Written especially for The Little Theatre On The Square. See the theater?s website for?showtimes and ticket prices.

Visit Santa in Monticello:?Santa will be waiting for your visits at the Wabash Depot in Monticello starting Saturday, Dec. 15 through Dec. 23. Hours vary by the day.

Candlestick Lane: Grant Place and potions of Eastern and Fairlawn, Urbana. An area tradition, Candlestick Lane will be lit (starting Dec. 15) every evening from 5 to 10 p.m. through Christmas. Drive cautiously and turn off headlights to get the most enjoyment from the lights.

Saturday, Dec. 1

Polar Paws: This jog has gone to the dogs! Join us at Centennial Park to kick off your howl-a-day season with a fun run that?s sure to delight everyone in your family ? especially the four-legged members! Dogs and their owners choose on the day of the race to run either the 5K (1 lap) or 10K (2 lap) distance. ?Water, hot chocolate, and holiday and dog cookies will be available along the course to keep all our racers merry and bright. Only one dog per runner, please. All dogs must have current vaccinations and be under control on a leash at all times.?Fee (R/NR): $10/$15. Fee covers one human and one dog. Humans running without dogs (i.e. children accompanying their parents) are also $10/$15 each. Dog handlers must be 15 or older. Please, no human runners under the age of 8 and no canine runners under the age of 1 year.?Deadline: Wednesday, November 28 (no t-shirt)

Holiday Market in Lincoln Square:?Every Saturday 8am ? 1pm until Dec. 15. With the holidays approaching, come out to Holiday Market get fresh produce, arts and crafts and gifts galore.

Breakfast with Santa in Mahomet: Enjoy donuts and milk, crafts, activities and a visit with Santa on Saturday, December 1 from 8:30-10: a.m. at the Mahomet-Seymour High School Cafeteria. $3.00 per child, $1.00 per adult Parents are welcome to bring cameras for a photo opportunity with Santa. Please purchase tickets by November 30th at the following locations: Busey Bank, First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, Fisher National Bank, First Financial Bank and Mahomet Area Chamber of Commerce Office in ReMax building. Sponsored by Mahomet Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mahomet Town & Country Womens Club.?

Christmas in Homer:?Enjoy the season in the village of Homer.?Santa in the Library, vendors, Christmas Tree Lane, the Cookie Walk, and a Soup and Sandwich Luncheon.From 9-2 the Village Hall will have Christmas Tree Lane, an arts and crafts fair, and a Cookie Walk.?From?11-1 there is a soup and salad luncheon, and Santa will be at the?Homer Community Library?from 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

Tolono Library Story Time at Barnes and Noble:?Come to Barnes & Noble in Champaign at 10:30 a.m. for a special storytime with Miss Jeannette! We will share fun stories and songs about giving and gifts and make some cool crafts, suitable for gift-giving. Pick up a voucher at the library ahead of time or at Barnes & Noble on this day and any purchases you make will help Tolono Public Library!

Festival of Trees Public Hours: Be a part of a Champaign County tradition, and join us for our 17th Annual Festival of Trees. Public hours on Dec. 1 are 9 a.m. ?? 5 p.m. Special performances:?10:30 a.m., Garden Hills Elementary School; 11:45 a.m. Urbana Free Library (Children?s storyteller);?1:00 p.m. Central Illinois Children?s Choir;?2:20 p.m. Slavic Story Time provided by Russian, East European, and Eurasian?Center at?the University of?Illinois Urbana-Champaign?(Bring your kids to do a craft!). Santa and Mrs. Claus ? 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Win raffle and silent auction prizes, and shop the holiday gift gallery. $5 adults, $3 children 4-12 and seniors, Children 3 and under FREE. At the Hilton Garden Inn, Champaign.

Jolly Shop:?The Monticello Junior Women?s Club is hosting their annual Jolly Shop, a shopping experience for the kids, ?from 9 a.m. 2 p.m. with a break for the parade. The Jolly Shop will be located in the basement of the community building (102 E Livingston St.).

Make a Picture Frame:?At this free workshop at?Home Depot in Champaign, children can build and paint a picture frame. Perfect gift for a grandparent or other family member ? and it?s Free! For ages 5-12 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Art HooHa 2012:?Art HooHa is an unofficial celebration of C-U?s creative community and an opportunity to support local artists and find unique, handmade gifts in a relaxed atmosphere. Friday, Nov. 30, 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit?www.arthooha.com?for more information.

Tuscola Christmastown Celebration:?Full slate of events all day! ?7- 7:45 Registration ? Santa Chase 5K Run/Walk ?@ Tuscola Community Building;?8:00 am ? 11:00 am ? Santa Breakfast @ Douglas County Museum;?8:00 am ? 3:00 pm ? Craft Vendor Fair @ Tuscola Community Building;?8 am ? Santa Chase 5K Run/Walk @ Tuscola Community Building; 11:00 am ? Parade ? route starts from the ?entrance? to Ervin Park, the parade will proceed South on Main St.,?then West on North Central St. ending at the Community Building.;?1:00 pm ? 3:00 pm ? Baby Contest @ Tuscola Community Building;?1:00 pm ? 4:00 pm ? Santa Paws @ Jarman Center (Pet pictures with Santa); 3:00 pm ? 4:00 pm ? Children?s Activities @ Tuscola Public Library; 4 p.m. Arthur Christmas Movie @ Tuscola Public Library.

Rantoul Christmas Parade and Santa?s Village:?Parade at 10 am followed by Free Fun Activities and Prizes at our downtown businesses:?House of Flowers,?Lindsey Lane Bridal Cottage,?Deena?s,?Style by Fox,?Downtown Barber Shop.?Santa will be in the parade and after the parade visit Santa at the Around the Corner Resale Shop located at 119 Sangamon Ave. (former Hallmark store).?To get in the parade contact the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce? at 893-3323 or email us at?office@rantoulchamber.com. Free.?

Free Photo With Santa at County Market:?County Market & Lou Taylor Photography have come together to offer a Free photo on CD with SANTA!?Dec 1 & 2 from 10 am-7 pm. First Come First Serve!?One free photo per family. Lou Taylor Photography Portrait CD Studio?1914 Glen Park Drive?(inside the County Market),?Champaign.

Monticello Christmas Parade:?Kick off the holiday season with a parade in downtown Monticello at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 1. Theme is ?Coming Home for Christmas.?

Make and Take Ornament Workshop:?Kids of all ages are invited to the Mahomet Public Library from any time between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to make a holiday ornament they can keep.

Sunday, Dec. 2

Festival of Trees Public Hours: Be a part of a Champaign County tradition, and join us for our 17th Annual Festival of Trees. Public hours on Dec. 2 are 10 a.m. ?? 3 p.m. Special performances:?11:00 and noon, The Conservatory of Central Illinois;?1:00 p.m. Flute Keys Studio;?2:00pm Bow-Dacious String Band from the Community Center for the Arts. Family photos 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Santa Claus will be there too. Win raffle and silent auction prizes, and shop the holiday gift gallery. $5 adults, $3 children 4-12 and seniors, Children 3 and under FREE. At the Hilton Garden Inn, Champaign.

2012 Champaign Jingle Bell Run/Walk:?A fun and festive way to kick off the holidays with family, friends and coworkers from 12 to 2 p.m. in Centennial Park in Champaign. Form a team, raise funds and organize your very own holiday-themed costumes. Then tie jingle bells to your shoelaces, and complete a 5 kilometer route. Tara Braucht, tfunk@arthritis.org, ?or call 309-451-0785 to register.

LeRoy Christmas Parade:?LeRoy will welcome Santa Claus during the Christmas Parade, to be held on Sunday, December 2, at 2:00 p.m.

Ornament Workshop and Tree Decorating:?Come to the?Philo Public Library?at 3 p.m. and make holiday ornaments to take home and one to hang on the Village Christmas Tree. ?At 4:00 p.m. there will be caroling and trimming of the Village Tree followed by refreshments in the Library.

Peace Lutheran Church Live Nativity:?From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 200 W. Arnold,?Thomasboro.?Come see and hear the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus. ?Each presentation will close with a Christmas carol. ?Animals include sheep, a donkey, and a cow and a llama. ?Inside the parish hall, have fellowship with cocoa & cookies, hot dogs & chili while the children play and do Christmas crafts. ?In case of bad weather, activities will still be held in the church.

Parkland POPS Winter Concert.?1:00 pm,?Parkland Theatre, 2400 W. Bradley Ave. Champaign.?Admission is free and open to the public.

Parkland Holiday:?Parkland Wind Ensemble and?Parkland Community Orchestra at the Parkland Theater, 2400 W. Bradley Avenue?Champaign, 3 p.m.?Admission is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

Calls from Santa:?Who wouldn?t love a personal call from Santa this holiday season! All boys and girls ages 4, 5, or 6 can receive a call from the North Pole. Calls will be made between 6-8pm. Champaign-Urbana area calls only please, and this event requires pre-registration. Forms are available at online at the?Champaign Park District website.?

Polar Express Party:?Experience the magic of Chris Van Allsburg?s?Polar Express?with activities, crafts, and a bedtime snack. For children of all ages at the?Urbana Free Library, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 6

A Swingin??Holiday Concert:?Parkland Big Band and Parkland Concert Band. Starts at 7 p.m. in the Parkland Theater.?Admission is free and open to the public.

Friday, Dec. 7

Merry Treasures:?A holiday DIY bazaar hosted by the I.D.E.A store, from ?4 -7 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec.8 in the classroom area. The sale?s emphasis will be on handmade stocking stuffers and other small gift items. Another unique component of this sale is that all items must be crafted primarily from recycled, reused or repurposed materials.?The I.D.E.A. Store, Second Floor, 28 E. Springfield, Champaign.

Santa at Tolono Public Library:?Mark your calendar for Santa?s visit on Friday, December 7 from 6 -7:30pm. ?Santa will listen to your wish list and check to see if you have been naughty or nice! We are delighted to have Dimock Photography back this year to take pictures for this event! ?Santa?s little elf helper Miss Beth will be helping children with a craft, too! Don?t forget to visit our book sale and find some great books for yourself or as a gift.

Holiday Storytime Featuring The Polar Express:?Barnes and Noble, 65 East Market View Dr.,?Champaign, 7 p.m.?Parents and children are invited to our annual Polar Express moonlight story time. Everyone is encouraged to wear his or her favorite Christmas pajamas for the moonlight Storytime!?We will have a craft after the story time and will provide hot chocolate and cookies! Call 217.355.2264 or e-mail crm2714@bn.com to reserve a spot.

Saturday, Dec. 8

A St. Joseph Country Christmas:?St. Joseph will welcome Santa as he rides into St. Joseph on a firetruck (at 9). Santa will available for children to visit with him and parents could take a picture of their children with Santa, and there will be children?s activities. From 9 a.m. to noon, at the American Legion, 223 E. Lincoln St,?in St. Joseph.?

Christmas in Bement:?A full day of events are planned, including a parade at 1 p.m., horse-drawn carriage rides between 5 to 7 p.m, a tea (advanced registration required), and much more. Full schedule, click on the link.

Philo Santa Breakfast: Children of all ages are invited to visit with Santa before he makes his annual around the world flight delivering toys. Enjoy a simple breakfast, games, crafts and pictures with the one and only Santa Claus! Tickets for the activities will be available at the door for only 25 cents and all activities will cost only one or two tickets, making this a fun and affordable family event. Bring a new, unopened toy for our Salvation Army tree and receive 10 FREE tickets!??From 9 ? 11 a.m., at?R.E. Franks Center, 127 W. Washington, Philo.

Brunch with Santa:?At 88 Broadway, Lincoln Square, Urbana, from 10 a.m. to 2 pm.?Tickets are $10 per person.?Breakfast catered by Piato; Santa photos, other children?s activities. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Build a Gingerbread House at Lowe?s:?The holidays are right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe?s and they can build this cool Gingerbread House! At the Build and Grow clinic, Champaign Lowe?s, 10 a.m. Registering in advance is recommended. For kids 5 and up.

Candy Christmas Trees: Come enjoy books and songs about Christmas trees, then make your own candy christmas tree to take home. Yummy!?For elementary and preschoolers.From 10 a.m. to noon at the?Urbana Free Library.?

Kris Kringle Workshop: Sign your kids up for a fun afternoon at the Savoy Recreation Center while you enjoy a little time to yourself to get your shopping done. Your child will enjoy gym games, art projects, snacks and more!?Ages: 4 and up,?1:00-5:00 pm?$12/resident, $10/R additional child;?$15/non-resident, $13/NR additional child.?Registration Deadline: December 1?

Douglas Community Center Holiday Party:?FREE! Ages 3-10. From 1 -3 p.m.?Come celebrate the holidays with us! Kids and parents are invited to attend a day with Santa featuring games, prizes, a free toy giveaway, and a treat. Sponsored by the Champaign Park District.

The Tons O? Fun Band and Friends 7th Annual Christmas Show:?This magical event will feature TOFB performing many of your seasonal favorites. Special guest appearances include the PBS Band, Rena Day from the group Champaign, Tim Frazier, Chip McNeil Chair of the Jazz Studies Division at the U of I, Chris Moors, Sam Carroll, Dody Cosmedy, Diana Rasch, Celia Williams, Tim Donaldson, and Tony Clements as Master of Ceremonies. Start off the holiday season with good music, good times and good cheer. All proceeds will benefit Developmental Services Center?s ?Tree of Hope Campaign!??Tickets are $35 for VIP which includes pre-show reception and reserved seating, $15 adult/$5 for children 12 and under. 1:30 p.m. at the Parkland College Theater,??2400 W. Bradley Avenue?Champaign.

Homer for the Holidays: Join us at Homer Lake for our natural approach to creating unique holiday gifts. Stations will be set up for children to make, wrap, and take home presents and ornaments for their families and friends. You can also help us create treats to decorate the trees outside of the Interpretive Center as our gift to the wildlife that call this preserve home. There?s no place like Homer for the holidays! Come and go at your convenience during program hours during 2-4 p.m. Free. Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 2573 S Homer Lake Rd, Homer.?For information, (217) 896-2455 or shampson@ccfpd.org.?

To Grandmother?s House We Go:??Nine stations will be available for children to make, wrap, and take home?presents and ornaments for their families and friends. Come join us for a great time with crafts for everyone!?Storyteller Kim Sheahan will entertain with holiday stories from 4:00-4:45. Free. Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve,?600 N Lombard, Mahomet, 2:00 ? 5:00 p.m.?For information, 217-586-2612 or?kriopelle@ccfpd.org.

Candy House Creations with the Urbana Park District: Get your family in the spirit of the season with an afternoon of candy fun. Create fabulous decorated houses from all sorts of goodies and treats. We provide all the fixins?- the graham crackers, cookies, candies, and frosting. Listen to holiday tunes while your sweet tooth builds its dream house. Best of all, we clean up the mess!?Registered participants may drop in at the Phillips Recreation Center any time between 2:30pm and 4pm. All participants must register in order to ensure adequate seating, but you will only be charged for the number of candy houses that you want to decorate. Register early for a discount ? $7 per candy house; otherwise, $9 per candy house. REGISTER BY DECEMBER 1.

Live Nativity:?This year?s Trinity Lutheran Church, (701 E. Florida Ave., Urbana) Live Nativity will be held on December 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. See animals, a manger and watch as the story of Christmas comes alive. There are live animals, adult and children choirs, real people playing the parts of Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, shepherds, and angels; special music and songs all evening.

Sunday, Dec. 9

Annual Carol Concert 2012:?Presented by the UI School of Music, an exuberant tradition returns when choruses, instrumentalists, and audience members join in a celebration of the winter season. Tickets $10, at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Foellinger Great Hall, 3 p.m

In Concert at CPL: Briana Kay:??It?s Christmas! Come relax and get away from the holiday bustle with a concert of joyous seasonal music. The soulful Briana Kay, backed by pianist Crissy Rigsby, will sing original songs by Ray Miner along with traditional Christmas favorites.?This series is sponsored by the Champaign Public Library Friends.?At 2 p.m. at Champaign Public Library. Free.

Nativity Walk and Christmas/Advent Concert:?From 5-8 p.m. at?Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,?2101 S. Prospect Avenue, Champaign. Many beautiful nativity sets shown in lighted displays. Central Illinois Children?s Chorus and The Rip Chords free concert from 6-7 PM. Carols performed on the piano and vocal performance during social hour to follow by Kat Downs. Sing-a-long and requests included. Special Christmas coffee, cocoa, and cookies for all. Free.

Thursday, Dec. 13

CUSO Holiday Concert: Join the CUSO for the heartwarming cheer of the annual Holiday Concert! Bring your family for an evening of favorite carols, festive surprises, and entertaining guest artists. Lend your voice to the traditional sing-along and let the CUSO and returning guest conductor Daniel Black lead you into the holiday season! At Krannert Center for the Performing Arts; tickets $31-$5.?

Mills Breast Cancer Institute Music Series:?CU Symphony Sounds of Holiday Cheer.?From 12 to 12:45 p.m. at the Mills Breast Cancer Institute, 509 W. University Ave. in Urbana. Free.

Friday, Dec. 14

Merry & Bright Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt: 6 p.m. at Prairie Farm in Champaign. ?Bundle up, grab your flashlights, and come out to Prairie Farm to help us find candy canes hidden by the big guy in the red suit!? We hear he left some rare and special candy canes that are worth prizes, too.? Stick around afterward for hot chocolate and a visit from Santa himself!? This event is FREE for children ages 3-10. Sponsored by the Champaign Park District.

Saturday, Dec. 15

Elf on the Shelf Storytime: Barnes & Noble will host The Elf on the Shelf Storytime and Adopt-an-Elf event with Crisis Nursery on December 15 at 10:30 am.The event will kick off with a reading of The Elf on the Shelf ? A Christmas Tradition.?This special Storytime will give children an opportunity to adopt an elf of their own, complete with an adoption certificate. There will be activities and holiday treats as well. To RSVP for this event call 217.2264 or e-mail crm2714@bn.com

New Covenant Fellowship Craft Day:?Spend the morning enjoying Christmas music, snacks, gingerbread house decorating and lots of other holiday crafts. There will be a variety of projects available for everyone ages 2-99. Many will be perfect for gift giving. All materials will be provided, and this event is absolutely free, so don?t miss it! From 9 a.m. to noon. Corner of Randolph and White Street, Champaign.

Annual Candlestick Lane Opening Ceremony: The ceremony begins at 6:00 pm at the north end of Grant Place in Urbana. Grant Place and potions of Eastern and Fairlawn will be closed beginning at 5:00 pm. There will be NO parking allowed on the street, so plan ahead to park on adjacent streets.??Candlestick Lane will be lit every evening from 5 to 10 p.m. through Christmas. Drive cautiously and turn off headlights to get the most enjoyment from the lights.

Christmas Storytime at the Tolono Public Library:?Children will enjoy lively Gingerbread stories and create Gingerbread related crafts during this one hour event. ?Join Miss Beth as she cooks up some Gingerbread fun! 2-3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 18

Movie Night: Frosty the Snowman: Put on your favorite pjs and get ready for the holidays by coming in to the Urbana Free Library to see an old favorite, Frosty the Snowman. We?ll have a snack and maybe even sing a carol or two!?6:30 p.m. Free.

Saturday, Dec. 22

Christmas Storytime:?Head to the Allerton Public Library in Monticello for storytime and a craft on Saturday, December 22 at 11:00 a.m.; for children ages 3-5.? Please register as space is limited.?Call 762.4676 for more information.

Art Lessons for Children: Holiday Origami: ?Do you want to add some holiday spirit to your week? Ai-ling and Yukimi, two local origami artists, will lead you through some holiday paper-folding fun. Create a few things to take home or give as gifts. Free; 2 p.m. For elementary school children.

Tuesday, Dec. 25

Community Christmas Dinner:?First Christian Church is once again hosting a Community Christmas Dinner for people who would otherwise be alone or without a special holiday meal to share on Christmas Day. Children in attendance will receive a gender and age-appropriate, small gift. Appetizers will be served at 12:30 p.m. with dinner following at 1 p.m. on December 25 at the First Christian Church, 3601 South Staley Road, Champaign. Meal is free, but reservations are required. Dinner reservations can be made by calling (217) 649-2315 or send an email to christmasdinner@fcc-online.org.

Monday, Dec. 26

Happy Kwanzaa!

Thursday, Dec. 27

Itty Bitty New Year:?From?10:00am to 12:30pm.?Celebrate New Years as a family at the Savoy Recreation Center with craft projects, face painting, games, snacks, a noon balloon drop and more! Registration Deadline: Dec. 20 $20/Resident Family, $26/Non-Resident Family.

Monday, Dec. 31

Noon Year?s Eve: Are you afraid you won?t last till midnight to celebrate the New Year? Come celebrate with the Urbana Free Library at 11:30, with count down at noon. Ringing in the New Year with stories, food and fun!

Noon Day Celebration:?Ring in the New Year with a big balloon drop and count down at noon! Make crazy hats, crazy noise, and bring in the New Year with a parade around the Orpheum Children?s Science Museum! Free with admission, balloon drop and countdown at noon. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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