Holiday events at University, community

Amanda Jablonsky, junior in LAS and an administrator for the Krannert Center Student Association, sorts through presents under the Christmas tree with Alexander Polychronopoulos, 3, Sunday. Suzanne Stelmasek

Amanda Jablonsky, junior in LAS and an administrator for the Krannert Center Student Association, sorts through presents under the Christmas tree with Alexander Polychronopoulos, 3, Sunday. Suzanne Stelmasek

By Eric Heisig
November 27, 2007

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.

    Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!

    • Catch the latest on University of Illinois news, sports, and more. Delivered every weekday.
    • Stay up to date on all things Illini sports. Delivered every Monday.
    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Thank you for subscribing!
  • 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.