Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The Mattoon Fire Department fought a large blaze at 312 N. 16th St on Dec. 3 that led to the evacuation of nearby Champaign residents and a temporary power outage; no injuries were reported and investigators are working to determine the cause+ community support helped those affected. WICS
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Champaign officials announced free parking at the Hill Street Parking Deck for the holidays from its start on Monday until Dec. 31. Drivers who park for over two hours automatically get a discount for an extra two hours, and visitors are encouraged to check local business hours. The Daily Illini
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Champaign’s restaurant scene has shifted; while Blind Pig, Sumo Kitchen, Mashawee House, and Royal Donut opened earlier this year, Big Sharks will open Monday, Dec. 8 at 1217 N. Prospect Ave., Blue Ethiopian is set to debut this month, and Spitfire Chicken and SangEat remain anticipated, with Timpone’s closing on Dec. 20. ChambanaMoms
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It's a Wonderful Life Screening
1-3 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — $10 — Celebrate the holiday season with a classic film about hope and redemption.
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Derailed Fest Day 5
4-10 p.m. — Exile on Main St. — General Admission (Tickets available) — Experience a lively day of music with great bands and a DJ after-party.
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CUDO Plays Open Playtest Event
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Test out games and provide feedback in an engaging community setting.
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3rd Annual Holiday Candle Party
6-8 p.m. — Alto Vineyards Champaign — Ticket required — Create your own custom-scented candles in a festive atmosphere with wine available for purchase.
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Comedy Open Mic Night
8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs and possibly take the stage at this weekly open mic event.
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Sinfonia da Camera: Winter Fantasia
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a winter-themed concert led by the renowned Maestro Ian Hobson and a professional chamber orchestra.
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Lindy Hoppers Swing Dance Night
7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of swing dancing with great music and no partner needed.
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Game Night - Visual Communication
6:30-9 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Unwind with fellow game lovers while exploring games that excel in visual communication.
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It's In Your Head Breathwork Class
6-7 p.m. — Plant Mode — All sales final — Experience a calming breathwork session to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity.
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Comedy Open Mic Night
8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter and maybe even take the stage for some comedic fun.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
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Welcome to the Good Day Champaign, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Champaign, Illinois community. If you like the Good Day Champaign, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Champaign.
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