Small Business Saturday is a nationwide celebration that takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (this year, it's on November 29) to encourage everyone to support local businesses. In this season of giving, consider the heartwarming experience of supporting your community by choosing to shop local. Our Holiday Shopping Passport will help to guide your local shopping experience, and offer a gift that gives back to the Evanston community: spend $100 (or more) at participating Downtown Evanston businesses and receive a $20 Evanston Gift Card. Plus, you can enjoy FREE trolley rides between Downtown Evanston and the Main-Dempster Mile and FREE childcare at the McGaw YMCA!

Join Mayor Biss, City Clerk Mendoza, Santa Claus, and other special guests for our annual Holiday Light Celebration at Fountain Square. Evanston's Children Choir will sing holiday tunes starting at 4:30PM, followed by the tree lighting at 5PM, and then additional musical performances at Fountain Square. From 5:30 to 7PM, take photos with Santa at The Merion (1615 Chicago Avenue) and warm up with hot cocoa and other treats!

Enjoy a self-guided stroll throughout Downtown Evanston, visiting shops, restaurants, and other businesses offering a variety of warm beverages and shopping or dining specials. Warm Bevvy Walk tickets are $10/person, and include a custom (and reusable) warm bevvy mug! Half of the ticket price will be donated to Evanston Nouveau Rotary Club to help support their various service projects in our community. ID will be required if you intend to have alcoholic beverages during the event.