Bring your families to Downtown Evanston on Saturday, December 2, 4:30-7:30pm to celebrate the holidays at our annual tree lighting with Mayor Daniel Biss, City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, Santa, and other special visitors. Enjoy holiday music by the Evanston Children's Choir, Evanston Owns It, NU Community Singers, and Soul4Real Acapella, and look out for special holiday characters from The Actors Gymnasium!

The tree lighting will take place right at 5pm, after which Santa Claus will offer free photo ops at The Merion (1615 Chicago Ave.), so get those lists ready! And you can warm up with hot beverages and treats from 5:30-7:30pm. 

4:30pm | Welcome by Andy Vick, Executive Director of the Downtown Evanston business district
4:35pm | Evanston Children's Choir
5:00pm | Tree Lighting with Mayor Biss, City Clerk Mendoza, Santa and special guests
5:10-5:30pm | Evanston Owns It Evanston Sings Choir
5:30-5:50pm | Northwestern Community Singers
5:50-6:05pm | Soul4Real Acapella 
5:30-7:30pm | Photos with Santa at The Merion (1611 Chicago Ave.-- please use Davis Street entrance)

Special thanks to the sponsors of the Holiday Light Celebration: Avidor Evanston, Byline Bank, Valli Produce, Goldfish Swim School of Evanston and Top Tier Lessons.

Thank you to The Merion for hosting Photos with Santa. Families are welcome to bring donations for the Mayor's Holiday Toy, Food & Book Drive to The Merion, which has a donation box. Click here to learn more.