Stroll throughout downtown visiting shops, restaurants, and other businesses offering warm beverages and shopping or dining specials. Event is free but please RSVP. ID will be required if you intend to have alcoholic beverages. Check in is at The Graduate Hotel, 1625 Hinman Ave. 

Please note this event is capped at 300 people. Reserve your spot here!

Bring your families downtown to watch the annual tree lighting with City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, Santa and other special visitors. Enjoy holiday performances by Evanston Children's Choir and Northwestern Purple Haze and One Stop Brass The tree lighting will take place right at 5:30pm after which Santa will have photo ops at The Merion (1611 Chicago Ave.) The Merion will also have hot cider and churros and a special treat on the way out! Details here.

Thank you to Colectivo Coffee for providing hot chocolate during the event and to Valli Produce for their support! Let us know you're coming on Facebook!
 

The 8th Annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest kicks off on Small Business Saturday, November 26. Evanston businesses will decorate their windows with a "Celebrate Sustainably" theme. You will be able to view and vote for your favorite window decoration at the Evanston Holiday Window Contest Facebook page. Winners will be announced on December 23 at 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. When you spend your dollars at local shops you'll receive a special holiday gift. Spend $100 to receive a $30 Evanston Gift Card. Spend $150 to receive a $30 Evanston Gift Card and custom Downtown Evanston winter hat. Limited number of gift cards available so shop early!

Download the Shopping Passport here to print or pick up at a local business.

After you shop local on November 26, head over to Gearhead Outfitters at 1600 Sherman Ave. to turn in your passport and redeem your gift. Downtown Evanston staff will be there from 11am to 5pm. Special thanks to Byline Bank and Northwestern University for supporting the Small Business Saturday giveaway and supporting local Evanston businesses.