Welcome to the most festive time of year! This month, we feature events for adults that you might consider for a date night, girls' night or any other reason to head out sans children during this festive season. Many of them require pre-registration and WILL sell out (especially the holiday events).

We also have a list of 75+ date night ideas that are not tied to a specific event this month. 

If you're looking for somewhere to dine out, you might check out our favorite places to dine for date night or our "destination restaurants". Both have great options for date nights. 

Find everything you want to know about the holiday season in Champaign-Urbana on our holiday events/activities page, all season long. Here we share things about where to cut down a live Christmas tree, places to dine on Thanksgiving and other festive happenings. 

Season's Greetings and may you have a festive month ahead! 

Chambanamoms thanks Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for presenting our date night newsletter.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to the advancement of education, research, and public engagement through the pursuit of excellence and innovation in the performing arts. 

Give the gift of a Krannert gift card this holiday season! Gift cards never expire and can be redeemed for ticket purchases or visits to Intermezzo or Stage 5. You can purchase at the Ticket Office or online.

For more information: Website

Champaign Park District

Celebrate the holidays at the Virginia Theatre with tons of entertainment options!

For more information and tickets: Website

Holiday Swing Dancing: Do the holidays make you feel like dancing? Grab a partner and head to Holiday Swing Dancing with Live Band Jordan Kaye & Django Wrangle Holiday Band on Sat. Dec. 6, donations accepted (if you can) to help cover costs. Lesson at 6:30-7:30 p.m. (beginner friendly). Dance with Live Band 7:30-10 p.m. Free; donations welcome.

Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra: Good Tidings! Holiday Concert: CUSO is joined by the University of Illinois Meredith Chamber Singers and UI Oratorio Society, and the Central Illinois Youth Chorus will be featured in music by John Williams from the film Home Alone. Uplifting songs of the season, a visit from Santa, and a sing-along of carols are sure to make spirits bright. Weds. Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Riggs Beer Company

Celebrate the season with Riggs the four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas — Fridays 5–8 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays noon–7 p.m.

Experience the warmth and charm of a traditional outdoor German Christmas market, featuring local artisans and vendors, hot spiced wine, iced eggnog, rich hot cocoa, freshly made crepes, savory brats, and plenty more holiday treats.

Gather your friends and family, stroll through twinkling lights, shop for unique gifts, and savor delicious seasonal flavors. Make merry memories at Riggs Beer Company — where holiday cheer meets great beer!

For more information: Website

Holiday Wine & Design: Enjoy a fun night with friends, old and new, with music, shopping, flowers and wine on Weds. Dec. 10. It's Holiday Wine & Design at The CU flower house featuring a wine tasting with Thad of Ladro Enoteca and a floral design class with Andrea of A. Hunt Design. 

Certified Organic: Celebrate black arts and culture with Certified Organic from 7-9 p.m. on Thurs. Dec. 11. Host Pete 'Afro D' Shungu & friends will take us through a musical journey. These evenings feature a full live band with great energy. Free admission at Gallery Art Bar.

December Unbooked | Trivia Night
Friday, Dec. 12, 6 - 8 p.m.
Champaign Public Library

Friday evenings are full of fun at the library! Come out for a friendly evening of winter-themed trivia at the December Unbooked | Trivia. Come at 6 p.m. to socialize, join a team, and grab a snack. Library events are always free.

For more information: Website

Sinfonia da Camera: Winter Fantasia: Sinfonia da Camera presents a festive concert celebrating the holiday spirit and the winter season. This professional chamber orchestra will be performing at the historic Virginia Theatre on Sat. Dec. 13. 

Music Bingo and Ugly Sweater Party: Yellow & Co. in Mahomet is the site of a music bingo game that combines two things everyone loves into one night full of fun and prizes on Thurs. Dec. 18! Wear your favorite or least favorite ugly sweater for a chance to win a fun prize.

Winter Solstice Bonfire: This Sun. Dec. 21 event is certainly an all-ages event but there's something about it that screams "date night." Bonfires, hot chocolate, lights and food trucks have all the makings of a Hallmark movie. It's $10 per car at Allerton Park in Monticello, cash only.

Night Lights
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden at Lake of the Woods

Experience the enchanting Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve illuminated for the season. Come out every Friday and Saturday evening from 4-8 p.m., starting November 28 through December 27, with a special viewing on Wednesday, December 24.

For more information: Website

Festivus at Triptych: It's a Festivus for the rest of us! And this year there are two dates to air your grievances! The 11th annual Festivus at Triptych is a celebration of community, beer and gonzo beverages. Gather 'round the Festivus pole, practice your feats of strength and air your grievances. On Tues. Dec. 23 and Sun. Dec. 28.

New Year's Eve at the Axe Bar and City Center: Come out on Weds. Dec. 31 and dance at the biggest Latin Dance Party in Champaign at the Axe Bar. C-U's best NYE party at The City Center features two of C-U's best bands, '90s Daughter and Big Guns.

More Date Night Ideas

Don't forget to check our list of more than 75 date nights you can choose from any time of year - no specific dates for these!

Looking for a restaurant? We have a list of our favorite date night restaurants, too.