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Downtown Evanston is excited to invite everyone to enjoy our annual holiday events! Whether you are looking for a family-friendly holiday activity, or an evening out with friends to sip 'n shop, we've got it all downtown! Cheers!

New this year, the City of Evanston is offering 2 hours of FREE street parking per day from November 22, 2023 to January 1, 2024! That means you can enjoy 2 hours of free parking every day duirng the holidays while you shop and dine in Downtown Evanston!
Small Business Saturday | November 25, 11AM-5PM

Small Business Saturday | November 25, 11AM-5PM

Find the perfect gifts for friends and family members at your local shops this holiday season! Pick up a Shopping Passport at any participating business to help guide your shopping. Spend $100 between 11am and 5pm to receive a $25 Evanston Gift Card and be entered to win a complimentary one night stay for two guests at Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston. Limited number of gift cards available so shop early!

After you shop local on November 25, turn in your passport at Madison Grace (612 Davis St.) to claim your gift card. Downtown Evanston staff will be there from 11am to 5pm. Special thanks to Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston, Byline Bank and Avidor Evanston for supporting the Small Business Saturday and supporting local Evanston businesses. 

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Holiday Light Celebration | Saturday, December 2, 4:30-7:30pm

Holiday Light Celebration | Saturday, December 2, 4:30-7:30pm

Bring your families into Downtown Evanston to celebrate the annual Christmas tree lighting with Mayor Daniel Biss, City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, Santa and other special visitors. Enjoy holiday musical performances by the Evanston Children's Choir, Evanston Owns It, NU Community Singers, and Soul4Real Acapella. The tree lighting will take place right at 5pm, after which Santa will offer photo ops at The Merion (1611 Chicago Ave.) Please join us!
 

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Warm Bevvy Walk | Thursday, December 14, 4-7pm

Warm Bevvy Walk | Thursday, December 14, 4-7pm

Enjoy a self-guided stroll throughout Downtown Evanston visiting shops, restaurants, and other businesses offering warm beverages and shopping or dining specials. Warm Bevvy Walk event tickets are $10/person, a portion of which will be donated to local nonprofit organization, Evanston Made.  ID will be required if you intend to have alcoholic beverages.  

Please note this event is capped at 350 people. Click here to purchase a ticket!

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Holiday Window Decorating Contest | November 25 - December 24

Holiday Window Decorating Contest | November 25 - December 24

The 9th Annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest kicks off on Small Business Saturday, November 25. Evanston businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows with a "Glitter & Glow" theme. You will be able to view the window decorations at Evanston Holiday Window Contest Facebook page and vote for your favorites on a separate website. Winners will be announced on December 23 at 5pm! 

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