Very_large_holidaylightcelebration_fbcover

Happy Holidays!

All families, friends, and neighbors are invited to Fountain Square in Downtown Evanston on Saturday, December 7, 4:30-7PM to celebrate the holidays at our annual tree lighting event with the Mayor, the City Clerk, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and other special guests. Throughout the evening, you'll enjoy live holiday-themed music performed by several local singing groups. And, Colectivo Coffee will have complimentary hot cocoa for event attendees on a first come, first served basis. 

Live entertainment will start at 4:30PM. The brief tree lighting ceremony will take place right around 5PM, followed by more live entertainment at Fountain Square. Starting around 5:30PM, Santa & Mrs. Claus will offer free photo ops in The Crystal Ballroom at The Merion (1611 Chicago Avenue) -- so get those lists ready! The Merion will also have complimentary warm beverages and sweet treats from 5:30-7PM!
* * *  Free Holiday Parking * * *

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

4:30PM | Evanston Children's Choir
--------------------
4:50PM | Welcome by Andy Vick, Executive Director, Downtown Evanston business district
--------------------
5:00PM | Tree Lighting with Mayor Biss, City Clerk Mendoza, and Santa & Mrs. Claus
--------------------
5:10-5:30PM | Northwestern Community Singers
--------------------
5:30-5:50PM | Soul4Real Acapella
--------------------
5:30-7PM | Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus in The Crystal Ballroom at The Merion
Please use the main entrance at 1611 Chicago Avenue
The Evanston Children's Choir will also perform at The Merion from 5:30-6PM


THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!
City of Evanston/Enjoy Evanston
Hagerty Consulting
Goldfish Swim School of Evanston
Valli Produce: International Fresh Market
The Crystal Ballroom and The Merion
Colectivo Coffee

Special thanks to The Merion and The Crystal Ballroom for hosting photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Families are also invited to bring donations for the Mayor's Holiday Toy, Food & Book Drive to The Merion, which will have a donation box on site. Our appreciation to Josina Morita, Cook County Commissioner, 13th District and her husband for playing the roles of Santa & Mrs. Claus!

If you're driving into Downtown Evanston for the Holiday Light Celebration, we recommend taking advantage of the free holiday parking, or using the Sherman Plaza Self Park garage--it's only a block away from Fountain Square. More information about parking. Downtown Evanston is also easily accessible by bike, bus or train! For questions, email info@DowntownEvanston.org.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY EVENT:
Warm Bevvy Walk | Thursday, December 12, 4:00-7:00PM

Thanks to our Event Sponsors!

======================================================



Hagerty Consulting

Hagerty Consulting

Hagerty helps clients prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Period. We blend exceptional management consulting skills with the industry’s deepest programmatic expertise to produce innovative strategies and results for our clients.

More Information


Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School

At Goldfish Swim School—Evanston, we believe that your child deserves to have an incredible swimming experience in the safest and most fun environment possible. Our indoor swimming lessons, including infant and toddler lessons, are specially designed to make learning fun through guided play. Swim Lessons are offered year-round with open enrollment, for children ages 3 months to 12 years old. Dive in with a Free Trial lesson today! 

More Information


Valli Produce: International Fresh Market

Valli Produce: International Fresh Market

Valli Produce International Fresh Market is proudly named after its founder's home, a small farm town in Calabria, Italy. The people from Valli were extremely hard working and the small community was like a big family. The Valli roots begin with Alfredo Presta who was taught at a young age by his father, Domenico, to care for everyone and help provide for many of the other families who needed help even though sometimes they struggled themselves. Alfredo Presta came to America like many Italian immigrants looking for opportunity and a better life then they left behind in the farming town of Valli. In 1989, Alfredo partnered with his two nephews, Lou Tenuta and Frank Chilelli also born in Valli, and together they opened the first Valli Produce in Arlington Heights. Valli Produce in Evanston opened in 2015.

More Information


The Merion

The Merion

Discover an independent senior living lifestyle located in bustling Downtown Evanston at 1611 Chicago Avenue. Their beautifully restored historic property is only minutes from Chicago, within walking distance to the lakeshore and North Shore neighborhoods and steps from Northwestern University. Now, you can retire how you’ve always wanted – in comfort and style, with a renewed sense of freedom and purpose.

More Information


Colectivo Coffee

Colectivo Coffee

Colectivo Coffee began more than a quarter century ago in a Walker’s Point warehouse in Milwaukee; co-owners Ward, Paul, and Lincoln bonded over vinyl records and a strong desire for a better cup of coffee...and today there are several cafes in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicagoland area. Colectivo Coffee in Evanston is located at 716 Church Street. 

More Information


City of Evanston Environmental Equity Investigation

City of Evanston Environmental Equity Investigation

Stop by the Environmental Equity Investigation table to learn how YOU can get involved in the “investigative study” currently underway by the City of Evanston.  This investigation will focus on environmental inequities and how we work together to develop an action-oriented plan to overcome and address these challenges. The City wants to ensure that this investigation is both thoughtful and inclusive in hopes of securing tangible recommendations for restorative justice. So, stop by to learn more!!

More Information