Christmas Shopping and Holiday Events in Champaign, IL
Vilardo’s Home Accents and Gifts offers a variety of seasonal selections as well as their usual tasteful array of accents for around the house. Just in time for the holidays, Vilardo’s is expecting their Firenze charm bracelets in the coming weeks. These imported bracelets from Italy may be just thing for the female you’re shopping for. Vilardo’s is located at 1729 W. Kirby, (217) 352-6597, and is open from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri.; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. and during the holiday season from 1 p. m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday. Vilardo’s offers plenty of off-street parking.
If you’re seeking a gift with an international flavor, try Ten Thousand Villages in downtown Champaign at 105 N. Walnut, (217) 352-8200. Ten Thousand Villages imports gifts from all over the world and carries Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa gifts during the holiday season. If you’re looking for gifts that are out of the ordinary, stop by Ten Thousand Villages. Metered, on-street parking is required but is usually free during the month of December. There are several very fine cafes and two bars all within a block if you need a break from the holiday hustle and bustle.
If it’s unique gift ideas that you’re in search of, look no further than Wind, Water and Light at 10 Main St., (217) 378-8565, in downtown Champaign. This renovated area of downtown is quickly becoming a prime spot for Champaign shoppers once again. Wind, Water and Light carries handcrafted works by artisans including paintings, ceramics, glass, etc., many of which are created by local artists and craftsmen. They have a selection of holiday gifts as well and are open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tues. – Sat., and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sun.
Hillside Gifts and Collectibles at 905 S. Neil St. has an extensive selection of holiday gifts. They carry ornaments and many specialty gifts this time of year as well, in addition to their year-round items. Stop by or call (217) 398-4973.
There are shops just outside of Champaign that are well worth checking out during the holiday season also. Foremost among them is the aptly named Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, located a few miles northeast of Champaign on Rt. 45 at 1356 County Rd. 2900 N. in Rantoul. If it’s seasonal gifts you want, look no further than Hardy’s. In addition to having a sizeable gift shop at the ranch, Hardy’s has live reindeer on the premises! For $3, one can enter the pen and feed graham cracker treats to one of their six reindeer. There is no charge for children under 6 yrs. This is a wonderful seasonal experience for the whole family and a chance to peruse their extensive collection of seasonal gifts within the rustic confines of a converted barn. Follow the signs to Hardy’s on Rt. 45 or call for directions at (217) 893-3407. Their hours of operation during the holiday season are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mon. – Sat., and 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sun.
Finally, neighboring Urbana, Illinois invites you to check out Krannert Center’s The Promenade gift shop for seasonal items and generally unique gift ideas. Located at 500 S. Goodwin Ave. in Urbana, (217) 244-0810, The Promenade may have that special item for the performing arts fan on your list. Why not call for a schedule of events and take in a show before or after shopping at The Promenade?
Whatever your tastes and budget, the many specialty and gift shops in Champaign, Illinois and the surrounding area are certain to have something you’re looking for during the holiday season and throughout the year.
