Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 | View in browser
Good morning,
Check out this week's news on Mayor's Food, Book and Toy Drive, letters to Santa, winter registration, events, and more.
 Mayor’s Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive
Help bring holiday joy to Evanston families in need by donating new, unwrapped toys, books, and non-perishable food items this season!
Donations are accepted November through December 1 at drop-off sites across the city, including community centers, libraries, and local businesses.
Suggested donation items include:
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Toys, games, and books for ages 0–13
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Non-perishable foods like stuffing, mac and cheese, canned vegetables, and cranberry sauce
Monetary donations are also accepted online.
Recipient Information: Register to receive food and toys by calling 311 between November 4 and December 1. Packages will be distributed on December 10 to Evanston residents.
 It’s Almost Time to Send Your Letters to Santa!
Evanston Parks & Recreation is teaming up with the North Pole again this year to make sure every child’s letter makes it to Santa. Drop off your letters December 1–14 at the North Pole mailbox inside Chandler-Newberger Community Center.
Want a letter back? Just place your note in a stamped, self-addressed envelope before dropping it off!
Drop-off location:
Chandler-Newberger Community Center
1028 Central St., Evanston
 Call for Artists: Light the Night 2026
Evanston Parks & Recreation is seeking creative proposals for solar- and battery-powered light installations for Light the Night, returning to Tallmadge Park on Jan. 24, 2026.
We're looking for artists who can bring the park to life with imaginative illuminated works that transform winter’s darkness into a vibrant community experience. Selected artists will receive a $150 supply stipend after the event.
What We’re Looking For
• Outdoor-ready, solar- or battery-powered light installations
• Creative, artistic concepts that enhance the nighttime experience
• Artists excited to engage with the community through public art
Submit a proposal.
 Kellogg Cares Digs in at the Ecology Center
A big thank you to Northwestern’s Kellogg Cares volunteers who spent a day at the Ecology Center this month helping put the garden to bed for the winter, updating animal substrates, and organizing craft supplies. Kellogg Cares’ mission is to provide meaningful service opportunities that integrate Kellogg with the local community.
 Sussical Jr. The Musical: November 21-23
A musical perfect for the whole family, Seussical JR—performed by Evanston Children's Theatre kids ages 8 thru eighth grade—takes us into the world of Dr. Seuss, where we revisit beloved characters including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and JoJo.
Event details
Dates and times: Friday, November 21, 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 22, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, November 23, 3 p.m.
Location: Levy Center
Cost: $15
Tickets
 Indoor Market: November 29
The Indoor Farmers’ Market at the Evanston Ecology Center continues on select Saturdays thru April. Shop local vendors and enjoy your favorite farm-fresh finds all winter long.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 29
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.
 Ecology Half Day Camp: December 3
After school lets out early, drop in for an afternoon of outdoor play, games, critter visits, and crafts at the Ecology Center! The drop-in time is flexible and pickup time is at 5 p.m. Please bring a nut-free lunch; an afternoon snack will be provided.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, December 3
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $60 R/$78.08 NR
Register
 Evergreen Wreaths & Gnomes: December 4 & 5
Learn the techniques for making a beautiful and lasting evergreen wreath or gnome to decorate your home or give as a gift. Staff will provide instruction, evergreen boughs, ribbons, and wintry decorations for your wreath. Please bring clippers and garden gloves if you have them. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Event details
Date: December 4 & 5
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: $42 R/$54.65 NR
Register
 Flapjacks & Flannels: December 6
Pull on your coziest flannel and join us for a heartwarming winter morning at Flapjacks and Flannel! Families will enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, festive winter crafts, and a chance to meet Santa himself. Be sure to stop by our themed photo booth to capture the memories!
This event is perfect for kids and grown-ups alike—come hungry and ready for some holiday cheer.
Event details
Dates: Saturday, December 6
Hours: 9 a.m.
Meeting Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Cost: Kids - $10 R/$20 NR; adults - $15 R/$25 NR
Register
 Nutcracker on Ice: December 12-14
Attend the 50th anniversary of Evanston’s Nutcracker on Ice. This landmark event will feature stars from the present and celebrate past performers.
Event details
Dates and times: Friday, December 12, 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 14, 2 p.m.
Meeting Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: $12
Tickets
 Are you ready to SEE RED at the United Center?
Join the City of Evanston Parks & Recreation for legendary outings with the Chicago Bulls! Share the excitement of Bulls basketball and the NBA's leading entertainment experience.
Proceeds from each ticket purchased will be donated to the City of Evanston Parks & Recreation Department. Get your tickets now through the links below!
Registration for our Winter programs is now open! Fill your winter with fun by exploring classes, events, and activities for all ages in our Winter Program Guide or on our new registration platform—both available at www.cityofevanston.org/recreation.
Check out a few of the classes we're offering this winter below and then discover hundreds of other Parks and Rec programs.
 Early Explores and Lunch Bunch
Early Explorers and Lunch Bunch are early childhood program for children ages 2-3 years looking for their first independent experience. These programs, located at the Prieto Center, are designed to provide children with a warm and nurturing early learning environment. Activities include art projects and free play. A social time snack is provided.
 Holiday Hip Hop
In this holiday-themed class, students will learn a fun, themed dance and host a short performance on the final day to showcase their new talents. This class is led by Chicago Loves Dance. Register now.
 Adult Music Classes: Learn to Play and Sing
Join a Frets Away class! Learn to Play classes are designed for beginners with instruction for guitar or ukulele (participants must have their own instrument). Sing & Play classes are a creative, folk-style ensemble for all portable instruments. Learn more and register.
Learn how to lower stress, release tension, and increase energy. Qigong is an ancient practice that helps build energy and vitality—reducing feelings of sluggishness and stress. Through gentle, effortless movement, you’ll learn to release tension and increase overall well-being. This class teaches you to synchronize body, mind, and breath, retraining your body to move without tension. Register now.
 Bead-Dazzle at Levy Center
Participants will learn three jewelry-making techniques: basic beading with wire, crimps, and head pins; wire wrapping; and micro macrame using fine nylon cord. This class is ideal for beginners as well as more experienced artists. Students will create bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Register now.
 Move & Groove Line Dance
Cold weather is no match for hot moves and slow grooves! Stay active (and warm) this winter with Move & Groove Line Dance at the Levy Senior Center — because shivering is not exercise.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or ready to step it up, our winter session has a class for you. Join us for fun, fitness, and a great community vibe. Learn more and register.
 Boxing Classes at Fleetwood
The Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center hosts high-energy boxing classes that build strength, endurance, and confidence
through boxing technique, conditioning, and bag work. Great exercise for all ages. Learn more and register:
 School’s Out? Cool Out!
Make the most of your day off from school at the Robert Crown Community Center! Kids ages 5–12 can enjoy a full day of fun, including field trips, arts and crafts, ice skating, and games.
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeberhardt@cityofevanston.org
 Kid Zone After-School Program
The Kid Zone after-school/school days out is packed with enriching activities that blend learning and fun. From homework help and educational games to sports, arts and creative workshops, there's something for every child's interest. We emphasize teamwork, creativity and positive social interactions. Plus we've got you covered on school holidays as well. Available for kids ages 5-12.
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Days: Monday - Friday
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Register by calling 847-448-8254
 After School Adventure at Robert Crown
Blast off into an afternoon of fun and learning with After School Adventure at the Robert Crown Community Center! Students will enjoy a variety of enrichment activities that keep them active, engaged, and inspired, including homework help, arts and science activities, snacks and cooking classes, ice skating, and more.
Who We Serve
Students in District 65
Ages 5-12
Hours
3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday–Friday
11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on School Improvement Days
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register: in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeerbhardt@cityofevanston.org
 Time Together: Open Play for Little Ones
Looking for a fun and social way to spend time with your little ones? Time Together is the perfect open-play program for children ages birth through 5 years with a parent or caregiver.
Our welcoming spaces are filled with climbing equipment, blocks, soft mats, puzzles, and a cozy book nook. It’s an ideal spot for morning playdates, no-school days, or simply giving your preschooler a place to explore while older siblings are in school. Best of all, Time Together offers opportunities for both kids and adults to make new friends while enjoying safe, active play indoors during the colder months.
Weekly schedule at Chandler Newberger Center:
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Mondays, 4–6 p.m.
Blue Room: Games, puzzles, books, blocks, and more.
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Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
South Gym (Gymnastics): Open gym play with mats, balls, and floor equipment. (Note: Not all gymnastics equipment will be available.)
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Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
North Gym: Indoor playground fun with slides, playhouses, bikes, balls, and books.
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Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Blue Room: Games, puzzles, books, blocks, and more.
Register
Planning a Party, Meeting, or Special Event? We’ve Got the Perfect Space
Whether you're hosting a birthday bash, baby shower, community meeting, or family celebration, Evanston’s Parks & Recreation rental facilities offer flexible, affordable spaces to fit your needs.
Choose from a variety of rooms, community centers, and party packages across the city — perfect for both small gatherings and big milestones.
Looking to celebrate a child’s birthday? Check out our birthday party packages featuring fun themes and activities at select locations.
Spaces book up fast — plan ahead and secure your ideal date today.
Explore rental options and book online
For more info, call 847-448-4311 or email recreation@cityofevanston.org.
 Tennis/Pickleball Outdoor Court Reservations
Tennis and Pickleball courts can be reserved online by community members. If a court is reserved, the person or group with the reservation has priority at that time — even if the court is in use. When no reservation is scheduled, courts are open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard “rack-up” rules apply. Secure your spot in advance.
Let’s Play Drop-In
Looking for a fun and flexible activity for your kids? The Prieto Community Center offers Let’s Play Drop-In, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Purchase Admission Online
Pricing:
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Residents: $10 per child, $7 for each additional child
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Non-residents: $13 per child, $10 for each additional child
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November Dementia Friendly Tips
Learn strategies for lowering stress during the holidays and get info on a special holiday concert by the Evanston Symphony Orchestra.
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 eLEAP Scholarships Now Available for Parks & Recreation Programs
Evanston families have a new way to access high-quality after-school and summer opportunities — including Evanston Parks & Recreation programs. The Evanston Learning Empowerment and Advancement Program (eLEAP) provides eligible District 65 middle school students with $500 in scholarship credits that can be used for any approved program on the Digital Backpack 65 platform — from sports and arts to camps and enrichment activities offered by Parks & Recreation.
Through a partnership between the City of Evanston, District 65, and the Digital Youth Network, eLEAP helps remove financial barriers and makes it easier for families to find and register for programs they love. Families report that the process is simple and opens doors to opportunities they otherwise may not have known about.
How It Works
- Eligible families receive $500 per student in eLEAP credits.
- Credits can be used toward Evanston Parks & Recreation programs listed on digitalbackpack65.org.
- Payments go directly to providers — no extra paperwork or fees.
Discover programs, apply for scholarships, and explore all that Parks & Recreation has to offer: digitalbackpack65.org.
Accessibility for all
The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or complete a request form online.
Facility Locations and Phone Numbers
Chandler-Newberger Community Center: 847-448-8252
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Robert Crown Community Center: 847-448-8258
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center: 847-448-8254
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Prieto Community Center: 847-859-7697
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Support Evanston Parks & Recreation
Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater.
Donate now
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Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,
The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team
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