During the last couple weeks of school, there are plenty of events and performances students can attend to unwind from stressful times. Here are just a few going on at the University and in the Champaign-Urbana area:

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

• Turtle Island Quartet with Leo Kottke performing “A Solstice Celebration-A Joyous Voyage through World Holiday Music Tour,” Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

  Renowned guitarist Leo Kottke and the group comes through Urbana on this year’s holiday tour. Tickets are $14-$32.

• “The Nutcracker” Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

  Krannert is holding its annual performance of the holiday classic, in conjunction with the Champaign-Urbana Ballet and the Sinfonia de Camera. Tickets are $15-$32.

• Carol Concert, Sunday, 3 p.m.

  Numerous ensembles from the School of Music will bring in the holiday spirit with their music. Tickets are $4-$10.

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• Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.

  The Orchestra will perform Handel’s “Messiah,” including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Tickets are $12-$31.

Assembly Hall

• Wynonna Judd’s “A Classic Christmas,” Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

  See Wynonna perform Christmas classics right here in Central Illinois. Tickets are $33.50-$42.50 and University students get a $3 discount.

Illini Union

• The Central Illinois English Country Dancers’ 13th Annual Christmas Ball, Dec. 15 at the Illini Union, Room 314.
• The dance warmup is at 7 p.m., and the ball is from 8-11 p.m. Suggested donation is $7. There will also be refreshments and carol singing during a break.

The Virginia Theatre

• A “Champaign” Holiday Evening with Pauli Carman and Guests, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

  CBS recording artist comes to Champaign to perform a holiday show, and the show will feature appearances by the Central Illinois Children’s Chorus and the First United Methodist Chancel Ringers Handbell choir. Tickets are $25 for VIPs and $10 for reserved seating.

• The Christmas Promise Tour featuring Newsong, Todd Agnew & Friends with special guest Matthew West and introducing Britt Nicole and friends Nate Sallie and Joy Whitlock, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

  Newsong is probably best known for its song “Christmas Shoes,” but the entire show promises to be fun for the entire family. Tickets are $28 for the main floor seating and $22 for the balcony seating.

• • Christmas movies
  • Saturday
  • • “Miracle on 34th Street” at 1 p.m. Tickets are $3.
    • “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.
  • Dec. 7 and Dec. 8
  • • “The Polar Express” at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5.
    • 7th Annual Parade of Lights, Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

Watch as the parade of lights leads to the tree lighting. There will also be a special guest at the event, so watch out for them!

• Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana presents A Baroque Christmas, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Champaign.

  This performance will highlight the works of J.S. Bach and his idol, Dietrich Buxtehude. Tickets are $10-$18.