Small Business Saturday is a nationwide celebration that takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving - this year it's November 30 - 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.

Downtown Evanston is showcasing local businesses as part of our Holiday Shopping Passport to help guide your local shopping experience and offer a gift that gives back to the Evanston community. Spend $100 at local shops to receive a $25 Evanston Gift Card, and enter a raffle to win an amazing prize TBD.  

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

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 to be announced soon. ID will be required if you intend to have alcoholic beverages.   

The 10th Annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest kicks off on Small Business Saturday, November 30. Evanston businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows with an "Enjoy Evanston" 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!