Small Business Saturday, November 26
Be a part of Small Business Saturday on November 26 and shop at Evanston's small, local shops in various business districts, including Central Street, Downtown Evanston, Main-Dempster Mile, and Howard Street. Holiday shoppers are encouraged to support the small, independent businesses that help make the Evanston community so special!
Check out these Special Small Business Saturday events:
Downtown Evanston's "Keep Evanston Awesome" Shopping Passport
Spend $100 at participating businesses and receive a gift from Downtown Evanston
Spend $100 at participating business and receive a gift from MDM
Brunch and lunch specials will be available throughout the city.
Purchase an Evanston gift card
The holidays are around the corner and we want to encourage everyone in our community to keep their holiday shopping local. The Evanston Gift Card makes the perfect gift or stocking stuffer and is also a way to show to support our local businesses! Consumers can purchase the Card as a gift for a friend, colleague or family member and companies can send it to employees as a special holiday gift. The important thing is the dollars stay local and benefit our shops and restaurants and our Community. Learn more!
Parking validation
From Saturday, November 26 through Saturday, January 4, Evanston shoppers can have their parking validated at participating Evanston businesses with a qualifying purchase. Validation can be used for free two-hour parking at City meters and surface lots every day. Shoppers parking at City meters and lots must use the Park Evanston mobile app in order to redeem validation.
Holiday Events in Evanston
Celebrate the holidays in Evanston all season long
November 19 through December 20
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Evanston Art Center's Winter Arts & Crafts Expo is one of the Chicago area's largest and most celebrated shows. The Annual Expo showcases arts and crafts by over 140 selected artisans, featuring original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed-media, and more.
Friday, November 18, 6 to 9 p.m. (Opening Night Party)
Saturday, November 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Women's Club of Evanston's Holiday Bazaar is a juried gift fair featuring artists and makers of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts. Exhibitors include makers of fashion and accessories, gourmet foods, home decor, jewelry, and specialty items.
Thursday, December 1, 4 to 7 p.m.
Downtown Evanston
Start your shopping early this year! Stroll around downtown enjoying tastes of warm beverages at local shops and restaurants and take advantage of special promotions!
Saturday, December 3, 5 to 7 p.m.
Fountain Square
Celebrate the holiday season with Downtown Evanston at their Holiday Light Celebration ceremony on Saturday, December 3, 5-7pm.
Sunday, December 4, 1 to 4 p.m.
Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St.
Visit the Dawes House for live music, holiday treats, kids' crafts, and see the Dawes House dressed up and decked out for the Holidays. This event is free and open to all.
Thursday, December 8, 5 to 8 p.m.
Main-Dempster Mile
The stores of the Main-Dempster Mile open their doors to everyone for the holidays, welcoming neighbors with warm bevvies and holiday treats! You'll find carolers and lots of fun along the way.
Friday, December 9, 5 to 8 p.m.
Outside Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, 1823 Church St.
Ring in the holiday season with the Central Evanston Business Association for their annual holiday festival and tree lighting activities. The whole community is invited to join in to help spread holiday cheer and kick off the season of giving! Bring your favorite ornament to hang or decorate one on site.Enjoy food, holiday crafts, vendors, and music by the ETHS choir!
Sunday, December 11, 3pm
Evanston Township High School - 1600 Dodge Ave.
Don’t miss enjoying these favorite Yule festivities with your family and friends … and you can take advantage of our special rates for a package of 2 adult tickets and 3 children's tickets.
The award-winning Evanston Symphony Orchestra is joined by:
North Shore Choral Society [learn more]
Chicago Ballet Arts [learn more]
Evanston Children's Choir [learn more]
Evanston Dance Ensemble [learn more]
The Evanston Symphony Holiday Gospel Choir
North Shore Choral Society [learn more]
Evanston Dance Ensemble [learn more]
The Evanston Symphony Holiday Gospel Choir
And, a BIG bonus for all kids from 1 to 101 — a visit from Santa and his elves!
Monday, December 23, 5:30 p.m.
Fountain Square
Tannenbaum Chabad House invites you to join Mayor Stephen Hagerty and Evanston's civic, business and Jewish communities to Evanston's Public Chanukah Lighting and Celebration. The 10-foot Menorah will be lit at Fountain Square at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 23.
For more information, please call 847-869-8060.
Santa will return to Evanston aboard the CTA Holiday Train, which will visit stops at the along the Purple Line. Then shop and eat downtown with your family! Holiday train timetables here.
Thursday, December 26, 6 to 8 pm
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center - 1655 Foster St.
Join your friends and neighbors in celebrating the first day of Kwanzaa at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center in a free celebration for all ages! There will be music, spoken word, and dancing. There will also be the traditional lighting of the Kinara and recitation of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
For more information, please call 847-866-5914.
Tuesday, December 31
First Night Evanston is a family-friendly event featuring live music, poetry, dancing and more, at a variety of indoor Evanston venues surrounding Raymond Park, located at Chicago Ave. and Lake St.
Shop Small. Shop Evanston Videos
Take a look and enjoy these videos!
Stella
2116 Central St.
Looking for fun and unique gift ideas? Stella offers an eclectic mix of clothing, vintage and handmade jewelry, handbags, accessories, and more. They've got the perfect gift for everyone on your list. We stopped by and spoke with owner Rachel and she told us a few of her favorite things for this holiday season.
Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery
Everyone loves plants! Stop by and few living art, exotic plants labeled for pet safety, artist-made gifts and more.
Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony
Follow Your Nose
Stop by for precious gifts for your four-legged friends.
Squeezebox Books & Music
Shoppers rejoice! Take advantage of 20% off the ENTIRE store. Please note: The sale excludes Black Friday Record Store Day titles.
Stumble & Relish
Looking for something unique this holiday season? Stop by and enjoy 20% off ALL holiday greeting cards (Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, etc.). Shoppers that spend $30 or more will also receive a FREE tote bag while supplies last.
Shop Local this Small Business Saturday
Hear from Evanston's aldermen about shopping local!
Stella's Boutique
Trattoria D.O.C.
Vogue Fabrics
Guitar Works
Ayla's Originals
Looking for jewelry this holiday season? Stop by Ayla's Originals.
Smylie Brothers
Sketchbook Brewing Co.
!