Two methods for the one-pot synthesis of 2,5-diarylimidazoles by palladium-catalyzed direct C–H arylation of 1-substituted imidazoles with aryl bromides have been devised. The first method, promoted by copper(I) iodide, is best suited for electron-poor aryl bromides, and also allows the 2,5-diarylation of thiazole and oxazole. The use of xylene instead of DMA is the key for the efficiency of the second method, which gives the best results with electron-rich aryl bromides.