Local businesses unite for Urbana’s festive celebration of culture and holiday shopping

URBANA, Ill. (WICS) — The kick-off of the annual Trees and Lights from Around the World is this weekend!

What started as a small business event three years ago has grown to an epic Urbana celebration of 35 participants.

Now in its third year, this annual event brings together Urbana’s small businesses to celebrate the holiday shopping season with festive trees and window displays that pay tribute to their unique cultures and heritages.

The festivities kick off with a Mayoral ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, at the northeast corner of Main and Race Streets, marking the launch of Trees and Lights from Around the World 2024.

This event will run throughout the holiday season, aiming to support Urbana’s small businesses while celebrating the City’s culture and diversity.

The rest of the day’s schedule include:

• Champaign County’s 40 North 88 West’s PostMark December event is happening Downtown from 12 to 4 p.m.
• Mistletoe Market, sponsored by Norden at Home, will feature creations by artists and artisans for sale at Lincoln Square Mall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Urbana Arts & Culture program will feature an Immersive Light Pop-up Downtown from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Holiday and cultural window art, created by local artist Leslie Kimble, adds a vibrant touch to the event.
• Lunch and dinner specials will be featured at local Urbana restaurants, many offering flavors from around the world.
• Excellent local small business shopping that features an impressive variety of unique gift ideas.
• Music in and around Urbana that will lift spirits for the holidays– The Rose Bowl Tavern features live music at 2 p.m., and again at 8 p.m., The Urbana High School Choir will be caroling at 3 p.m. on Main Street.
• A map of Trees and Lights will be available at the PostMark hub which will be housed in Bohemia, located at 135 West Main Street from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. PostMark maps and commemorative postcards will be available, too.

Participating businesses include:

• Siam Terrace: Tree from Thailand
• Pipapo’: Northern German Christmas Tree
• C4A: Music
• Cohen Building: Window Art – Trees and Lights from Around the World
• Sakura Restaurant: Window Art – Peace Pole and You Belong Here
• El Paraiso: Tree from South America
• Rick’s Bakery and Cafe: Tree from Mexico
• Cinema Gallery: Tree of Original Art
• Jeff Brann and the Island – Therapeutic Massage Therapy: Happy and Healthy Holidays!
• Gilbert Gallery: Greek Tree + Ornaments
• Heel to Toe: Window Art – Walking in a Winter Wonderland
• Courier Cafe: Vintage Tree
• Analog: Tree of Wine
• BR Bike and Repair: Bicicletas
• Baldorotta’s: Trees from Italy
• Rose Bowl: Honky Tonk Christmas Tree
• Bunny’s Tavern: Holiday Inflatables
• Silver Creek: Urbana Tree
• H2O Salon and Spa
• Beads N Botanical: A Very Merry Crystal Christmas & Yule
• Tres Nopales: El Tres Pino Chapin
• Bohemia: Peace on Earth
• Main Scoop Ice Cream
• Enchantment Alley: Seasons Change/Hope Renews
• Encanto: Tree from Peru and Mexico
• Casablanca Bazar “The beauty of light”
• Lincoln Square Hall: Tree with Santa
• Catch My Thrift: Peace Wreath
• Strictly Wicks Candle Company: Puerto Rican Caribbean Christmas & Three Kings Day
• Idea Store: Happy Holidays
• Urbana Acupuncture LLC: Happy Holidays
• Cloud Mountain Kombucha: Kombucha Bottle Tree
• Common Ground Food Co-op: Home for the Holidays
• City Hall: Urbana City Clerk’s Office: “Pretty in Pink,” themed after Barbie
• Glow By Lola: Wellness Tree
• La Mixteca: Tree and Display from Mexico

For more information about the City of Urbana, click here.