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 4
Crisis Nursery’s Children’s Holiday Shop
Time: Decmber 4 & 5 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ; December 6 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Orpheum, Champaign, IL
Details: Children can shop for gifts for their loved ones.
http://onecau.se/_crrzy1
The Nutcracker
Time: December 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. ; December 6 & 7 at 2:00 p.m. ; December 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy CU ballet’s production of this classic story.
https://krannertcenter.com/events/nutcracker
Derailed Fest Day 2
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana, IL
Details: Hear live performances by a variety of bands. Festival runs through Sunday, December 7.
https://www.pretzlerecords.com/
Friday, December 5
Night of Lights Parade
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Danville, IL
Details: Celebrate one of the city’s biggest holiday traditions with floats, hot cocoa, and more!
https://www.firstfridaysdanville.com/event-details/night-of-lights-parade-carriage-rides-1
Holiday Spectacular
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Bloomington, IL
Details: Enjoy an original script with familiar holiday tunes in The Pantagraph’s annual Holiday Spectacular show. Also on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m.
https://www.holidayspectacular.org/hsTickets.html
Saturday, December 6
Technology to Create Innovative Learning Experiences
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL
Details: Educators of grades 4-12 can learn about creative ways to use technology for student engagement.
https://education.illinois.edu/
Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Urbana Free Library, Urbana, IL
Details: Illinois residents can discover and reconnect with their African heritage at this community-based project.
https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/14625740
Jane Austen Birthday Ball
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Phillips Recreation Center, Urbana, IL
Details: Dance the afternoon away to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.
http://www.centralillinoisecd.org
The Brass Band of Central Illinois presents: A Christmas Encounter
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Normal West High School Auditorium, Normal, IL
Details: Enjoy a free holiday concert featuring brass instruments and a sing-along.
https://bbcil.org/2025/11/18/2025-winter-concert-christmas-encounter/
Holiday Swing Dance with Django Wrangle Holiday Band w/ Jordan Kaye
Time: Beginner lesson at 6:30 p.m. ; Dance at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Wesley Foundation Great Hall, Urbana, IL
Details: Dance along to a live band with the Illini Swing Society.
https://www.illiniswing.org/
Sunday, December 7
Carl Johnson & the New Orleans Jazz Machine
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Lewis Auditorium, Urbana Free Library, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy this annual December performance by the jazz band.
https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/14850666
The Nutcracker
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Dick Van Dyke Auditorium, Danville, IL
Details: Enjoy a live concert by the Danville Symphony Orchestra, featuring Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet
https://prod3.agileticketing.net/
All-Choir Carol Concert
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana, IL
Details: Enjoy holiday music by multiple UIUC choirs.
https://krannertcenter.com/events/all-choir-carol-concert
Some of the groups mentioned here may be financial supporters of Illinois Public Media, but they do not influence who is included on this list.
Event dates and times may change. If you have information about upcoming events, email us before Mondays at 8:00 a.m. at will-call@illinois.edu.