Weekender: December 20-22

Friday, December 20th

Finish your holiday shopping and support local artists and makers, 133 W Main St., Urbana, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., bring $ to shop

The Nifty Nook pop-up is a multi-day, multi-maker fest is a great chance to meet some of our most talented local artists and makers and check a few more to-dos off your holiday list.  Featured artists include Judilee, XXM, Fresh Press, Matt Wiley, Made By MEW, Mad Wit Co, and many more. Get the full maker list and additional days/times here. (DD) Photo by Julie McClure

Finish your holiday shopping and support your local arts scene, part two, House of Hooey, 905 S Lynn St, Urbana, 5 to 8 p.m., bring $ to shop

Wow, the annual Hooey Home Show is about to celebrate its 17th birthday this weekend, and you want to be there for the celebration and the shopping. Featured artists/makers include Kim Caisse Art, Hooey Batiks, Liza Wynette of terraverse pottery, Melissa Mitchell of ACME Elfworks and more. Also open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (DD) 

Catch It’s a Wonderful Life, The Station Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $10-15

Travel back in time a bit for this classic reimagined as a 1940s radio broadcast. It’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Read our review to get an idea of what to expect. Maybe grab a bite at Silvercreek before; it’s such a warm and cozy place to be this time of year. (JM) Photo by Jesse Folks

Saturday, December 21st

Taste some foods, World Harvest and Strawberry Fields, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free

Wold Harvest always has samples on Saturdays, but this weekend’s will feature a whole bunch of cheese, olive oil, jam, chocolate, vinegar, and desserts. There will also be some in-store sales and specials. (JH) Photo from Facebook

Take a trip to Big Thorn for Winter Welcome beer, Big Thorn Farm & Brewery, noon to 9 p.m., prices vary

Did you catch our review of Big Thorn earlier this week? The Georgetown farm and brewery is celebrating the release of Winter Welcome, “a big, malty base of house-toasted oats and roasted barley pairs pleasantly with the freshness of winter savory from our garden. Spiced with hazelnut, clove, and cherry branches harvested from our woods.” Sounds tasty. For those who do not drink beer, there will be hot mulled cider, too. (JH) Photo by Jordan Goebig

Check out some new cocktails, Punch!, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., about $10/person

Punch! is debuting its winter menus, which includes cocktails, food, and the house-made ice cream. The drinks are good, as we pointed out in our recent review. Don’t skip the snacks — even if you only order popcorn — they are yummy too. (JH) Top photo by Jessica Hammie

Celebrate the return of more daylight, Allerton Park, 5 to 8 p.m., free

The Scandinavian tradition of burning a yule log during the winter solstice will be honored at Allerton Park this Saturday. You can warm yourself up by enjoying the bonfire, eating Dragon Fire Pizza, or by getting a cocktail at the cash bar. Heck, why not all three; it’s supposed to be a bit chilly. The fire will be lit at 6 p.m. in the meadow across from the Allerton mansion. Winter solstice marks the day in the year with the least amount of daylight and the slow return of longer days. (SP) Photo from Facebook event page

Hear some pickin’, do some grinnin’, Rose Bowl Tavern, 7 p.m., $10 cover

Urbana’s historic Rose Bowl Tavern is hosting their third mini-bluegrass festival this Saturday. Starting at 7 p.m., Grass Roots Revival will take the stage to kick off a night of pure bluegrass bliss. Other acts include: The Jensen Brothers, The Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers, and the Hobnob String Band. Following the night’s performances, there will be a picking party for all the musicians present. Grab some free popcorn, a cold drink, and hang out! (BH)

Sunday, December 22nd

Grab some brunch to the sweet sounds of jazz, Neil St. Blues, 12 p.m., prices vary

Neil St. Blues will be hosting their Jazz Brunch Buffet this Sunday. The Brad Wheeler Trio will be there to soothe your hungover soul while you indulge and fill your hungover stomach. Alternatively, this could be a swanky way to keep the party moving into holiday week. Throw on a tux — or your favorite lounge pants — and treat yourself to a classy brunch. Brunch starts at 11 a.m., music starts at noon. (BH) Photo from the Facebook event.

Have fun with some last minute shopping, Exile on Main, 2 to 6 p.m., prices vary

We’re all just dragging across the shopping finish line here, so why not have some fun with it. Exile is bringing in some local musicians so you can enjoy some tunes while you wander the store. And don’t forget to check out Dandelion too! (JM)

Take a time out, your house, all day, free

Take a deep breath. In. Out. Let your shoulders relax. Repeat. December is a lot. A lot of errands, a lot of people, a lot of extra things. Also, the next week might be a busy crazy one for you, or a difficult and lonely one. Make today a self care day. Order food in, pop some popcorn, and snuggle up on the couch for some good show binging or movie marathoning. You deserve a day. (JM).

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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.