Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m., and Thursdays at 5:44 p.m.
Thursday, December 5
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Parkland College, Champaign
Details: Opening night of this heartwarming musical based on the classic holiday movie. Runs Thursdays-Sundays through December 15, with evening and matinee performances.
70 Secrets of Marmalade Kittens
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Station Theatre, Urbana
Details: A poignant family drama by a local playwright, exploring the delicate balance between dreams and disappointments. Runs Thursdays-Sundays through December 15.
The Nutcracker
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana
Details: Opening night of this holiday ballet tradition. Performances Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 6 p.m.
Friday, December 6
Holiday GLOW
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello
Details: Stroll through the illuminated Formal Gardens and accessible Wandering Woods trail, enjoying captivating winter-themed artwork. Runs through December.
More info: allerton.illinois.edu
Saturday, December 7
Auditions for The Wedding Singer
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Parkland College, Champaign
Details: Looking for performers for this musical adaptation of the Adam Sandler film. Performances begin in April.
More info: Parkland Auditions
Auditions for Skeleton Crew
Time: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: Station Theatre, Urbana
Details: Seeking a small cast for this powerful drama about race, class, and the struggles of factory workers. Performances begin in February.
More info: Station Theatre Auditions
Immersive Light Pop-up
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Urbana
Details: Enjoy holiday lights, winter activities, and a festive atmosphere as you stroll through downtown Urbana.
Holiday Swing Dance
Time: 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Location: Urbana Dance Company
Details: Beginner lesson from 7-8 p.m., followed by dancing to live music by Katie Flynn Quartet. Free and open to all—no partner or experience needed.
RENT
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Springfield Theatre Centre
Details: The iconic rock opera inspired by La Bohème. Follows a group of bohemian friends navigating life, love, and creativity in 1980s NYC. Runs through December 15.
Sunday, December 8
Life-sized Candy Land
Time: 12-3 p.m.
Location: Champaign Public Library
Details: Follow the rainbow path in this magical, larger-than-life version of Candy Land. Open to all ages!
Winter Market
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Illini Union, Urbana
Details: A holiday market featuring unique gifts and vendors. A photo opportunity with the Grinch is free and open to attendees!
Monday, December 9
Taste of OLLI
Time: Various times throughout the week
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Details: Explore free learning opportunities for adults 50 and older in this week-long event.
More info: OLLI at Illinois
Email will-call@illinois.edu by Mondays at 8am with event information