2-Hour free parking aims to drive holiday business in downtown Champaign

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Downtown Champaign visitors will have an extra reason to shop local this holiday season. The City of Champaign is offering up to two hours of free parking in the Hill Street Parking Deck throughout the month of December.

From December 1–31, 2025, anyone using the deck for hourly parking will automatically receive a two-hour discount. Drivers who stay longer than two hours will simply have the equivalent of two hours deducted from their total fee. No proof of purchase is required.

City officials say the goal is to make it easier for residents and visitors to support local shops and restaurants during one of the busiest shopping months of the year. Parking in the deck — along with all metered downtown spaces — is already free on City Holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The Hill Street Parking Deck, located at Hill and Randolph Streets, offers more than 300 visitor spaces.

Champaign is also preparing for the Annual Parade of Lights, scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025, starting at 5 p.m. Several downtown streets will close beginning at 4 p.m. and remain closed until after the parade ends:

Neil St. (University Ave. to Columbia St.)
Main St. (Neil St. to Chestnut St.)
Washington St. (Neil St. to Walnut St.)
Chester St. (Market St. to Neil St.)
Walnut St. (Washington St. to University Ave.)
Taylor Street will close earlier, at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Vehicles parked at meters along the parade route must be moved by 4 p.m. to avoid relocation. Free parking will be available in the Hill Street Parking Deck during the event.

Detours will route traffic along State Street, Randolph Street, and University Avenue.

The south portion of the Neil and Washington lot will be closed for Winter Fest activities. Parking will remain open in the northern half of that lot and in the Walnut and Washington lot. However, drivers will not be able to enter or exit once the parade is underway.

For the complete Parade of Lights and Winter Fest schedule and details, visit the Champaign Center Parade of Lights.

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