WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 18 – Dec. 21

Lights line an alleyway between two storefronts and in front of a road.
Urbana's Winter Lights has been rescheduled from last weekend. Enjoy lights and winter festivities throughout downtown Urbana this Saturday.

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 18

Film Fanatic Movie Nights
Time: 6:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
Location:
Gallery Art Bar, Urbana, IL
Details: Watch “The Fall” at this premiere event.
https://www.facebook.com/events/4119349884862374/

Amasong Winter Solstice Concert
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location:
McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church, Champaign IL
Details: Enjoy this winter concert by Amasong: Champaign-Urbana’s premier Lesbian/Feminist Chorus.
https://www.amasong.org/

Friday, December 19

A (Holiday) Night at the Museum
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: 
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Mahomet, IL
Details: Explore the museum, enjoy holiday crafts, and meet a holiday special guest!
https://www.christieclinic.com/Event/62/A-Holiday-Night-at-the-Museum/event-overview

Annie
Time: 
7:00 p.m.
Location: 
Fischer Theatre, Danville, IL
Details: 
See the beloved Broadway musical, running one weekend only. Friday performance at 7:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday performances at 2:00 p.m.
https://tickets.atthefischer.com/fischertheatre/website/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=51201

Saturday, December 20

Winter Lights
Time:
6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
Location:
Downtown Urbana, IL
Details:
Walk through immersive light installations and projection artwork, enjoy hot cider and hot cocoa. Rescheduled from last weekend.
https://www.urbanail.gov

It’s A Wonderful…Radio Show
Time: 
2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. on December 20 ; 2:00 p.m. on December 21
Location: 
3rd floor of the Decatur Area Arts Council, Decatur, IL
Details: 
See and hear an adapted version of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” with live actors. Rescheduled from last weekend.
https://www.theatre7.org/

Rose Bowl Holiday Spectacular
Time:
Doors at 7:00 p.m. ; Show at 8:00 p.m.
Location: 
Rose Bowl, Urbana, IL
Details: 
Enjoy festive fun at the third annual Rose Bowl Holiday Spectacular.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rose-bowl-holiday-spectacular

Sunday, December 21

Christmas Pop Up Bar & Live Music
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Alto Vineyards, Champaign, IL
Details: Enjoy live music by Robb Patton & Lori Simon, Christmas decorations, specialty cocktails, and more.
https://altovineyards.net/events-champaign/christmas-pop-up-bar-w-pbs

Sensory-Friendly Winter Nights at Prairie Farm
Time:
5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Prairie Farm, Champaign, IL
Details:
Experience the magic of the holiday season with non-blinking lights and clear walkways.
https://cuspecialrecreation.com/event/sensory-friendly-winter-nights

Winter Solstice Bonfire
Time: 5:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
Location: Allerton Meadow, Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello, IL
Details: Celebrate the “shortest day of the year” with a bonfire, Holiday GLOW, and food and drink.
https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/wintersolsticebonfire2025/

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.

Kimberly Schofield

Kimberly Schofield is the host of Morning Edition and covers arts and entertainment for Illinois Newsroom. When she is not covering the arts, she is performing in plays and musicals or running the streets of CU.