FRIDAY, December 16th
Mabel’s Night Unplugged, The Accord, 7:30 p.m., $15 advance/$20 door
This is the second iteration of Mabel’s Night, and it’ll be a stripped down version. If you were unfortunate enough to miss the original event, you’ve got to catch this one. The show features an impressive list of artists from both then and now, and it’ll be filmed for use in the documentary Where it Begins: C-U Music Documentary 1977-2000. The show is also a benefit for Josh’s Fund. Check out our coverage of the original Mabel’s Night for more information. (JM)
Every Brilliant Thing, Station Theatre, Urbana, 8 p.m., $15
It’s closing weekend for the one-man show now being staged at the Station, and I don’t know about you, but I could use a gentle reminder of some of the good things in the world right about now. Also, Mathew Green liked it, and he’d encourage you all to go twice just to see each actor’s take on it. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say anything like that ever before. That’s huge, fantastic, the best show. (RK)
SATURDAY, December 17th
It’s a Wonderful Life, Virginia Theatre, Champaign, 1 p.m. OR 7 p.m., $6 ($7 if you purchase online)
I wish I could say I either loved or hated this film, but it goes beyond that. By now, we know the story and its emotional roller-coaster may have lost the power to thrill us in memory. Yet in the moment, Stewart’s intense portrayal siezes me, until I’m feeling just as frenzied and desperate and relieved with unconscious tears streaming down my face by the end. Regardless, it’s a beautiful misery that I put myself through almost yearly. I think it’s that year again. Here I come, Bedford Falls. Maybe I’ll see you there. (RK)
Lunch or dinner, Koh-i-noor, 6 E Columbia St, Champaign, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 4:30 to 10 p.m., about $10 per person
The new Indian restaurant in Downtown Champaign promises to be a good one. I recently had dinner there, and it was delicious. The prices are super affordable, the food portions were generous, and the food was good. The mixed vegetable appetizer platter was particularly delicious. Grab a friend, order a few things, and enjoy yourself. (I should note that this place is no longer owned by the same folks as Sitara.) Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
Rogue Tendency w/ Trouble Chasin, Square Donuts, OG Temple , Canopy Club, $10, 18+, 9 p.m.
Whenever local rap groups pop up, it’s always awesome. This Saturday at the Canopy Club is no different, as Rogue Tendency seek to throw down with an all-local bill that’s not exclusively hip-hop. If you want to check out some local music you’ve never seen before, Saturday at Canopy has your ecclectic tastes covered. (BH)
SUNDAY, December 18th
Last chance to buy PFF goods, Prairie Fruits Farm, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., prices vary
This is the last day of the year the PFF’s Real Stand will be open, which means its your last chance to eat doughnuts, drink cocoa, pick up cheese, crackers, and gelato, and take your photo with adorable goats in costume. You’ll still be able to find PFF’s goods at local vendors like Common Ground Co-op, but those other goodies? Don’t miss an opportunity to impress holiday guests. Photo by Jessica Hammie. (JH)
DURING THE HOLIDAY BREAK
Triptych Festivus, Triptych Brewing, Friday, December 23rd, noon to 11 p.m., free 
entry
Triptych’s Fourth Annual Festivus celebration is an all day thing, celebrating the end of the year as well as the deliciousness that is produced by the brewery. There will be special beer releases, an opportunity to buy some on-site screenprinted tees, and there should be some food available on site too. Check for details on the event’s Facebook page. (JH)
Real Nice Christmas Party, Bentley’s Pub, Christmas Day at 8 p.m, admission is free
If you’re like me, there’s always one question you end up asking on Christmas Day – “Which bar is open?” This year, the answer is Bentley’s. This event is just a basic Christmas party at a bar, and that is why it’s great. Bentley’s is a standup establishment with a warm, friendly staff and cheap drinks. Whether you’ll be spending the holiday with or without friends and family, you’ll be in good company with the people there. DJ Belly and friends will be spinning some tracks and drinks specials will be generous, which makes Bentley’s an excellent choice for your Christmas Day imbibery. (JM)
New Years Eve
There are several restaurants around town offering special New Years Eve dinners and celebrations. All require reservations, so plan accordingly. Image from Watson’s Facebook event page. (JH)
Black Dog (both locations), three course menu, $60 per person, drinks additional, reservations required (buy your tickets here)
Miga, Six course tasting menu, $80 per person, plus additional $35 for wine pairings, reservations required (call 217-398-1020)
Silvercreek, gala buffet, $40 adults; $12 kids, drinks additional, reservations required (call 217-328-3402)
Watson’s, prix fixe three-course menu, $50 per person, plus additional $35 for drinks (optional), reservations required (call 217-607-0168)
Illini Basketball vs. Ohio State, State Farm Center, January 1st, TBD, Prices Vary
It’s the first home Big Ten game of the season, which means all hope is not totally lost yet! If the Illini want to not be a total disappointment this year, they have to win some home games like this one, so at least it will still be mildly exciting, at least as far as sports in C-U go. (BH)
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All event information is accurate to the best of our abilities, but sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes event information, times, prices, etc., change after we look them up. Whenever possible, we’ve provided a link to the original event page; you should always double-check the source before you make any firm plans. Thanks for your understanding.