 
Friday, December 12, 2025 | View in browser
News and Updates
The chill in the air signals the start of the holiday season and with it comes a whirlwind of gifting, celebrating, and memory-making for the whole family.
Forget hibernation. Evanston is buzzing with winter excitement!
This issue spotlights the incredible holiday festivities and businesses that keep our city thriving. Sure, online shopping is easy but when you shop local, you fuel Evanston’s energy, creativity, and community spirit.
Dive into Evanston’s Holiday Season Guide and discover everything happening right here in your backyard!
Downtown Evanston: Holiday shopping guide
Main Dempster Mile: Sip, Shop & Sing
Church & Dodge: Holiday Party and Tree Lighting
Central Street: Holiday shopping guide
You’re invited to the 5th Annual Shop Evanston Made Holiday Market, a curated market of art and handmade goods created by Evanston Made 100 members. Enjoy events, meeting the artists and buying art from your neighbors!
When: 12/4- 12/21-2025
Where: 1710 Maple Avenue in Downtown Evanston
More info here
First Northern Credit Union-Evanston branch at 1705 Sherman Ave is offering cookies, milk, a small gift for all kids, and a FREE photo with Santa!
Santa will be visiting from 10am until 11:30am and posing for photos for free. Use your own phone or camera to take your own images.
Visitors will be able to have 1 photo printed as a 4x6 for free.
Come early! Photos may not be available for pick up the same day depending on the number of attendees.
Limit one printed photo per family.
This year’s celebration will be joined by Mayor Daniel Biss and Alderman Bobby Burns, and local politicians who will offer greetings and help light the giant public Menorah in honor of the Chanukah holiday.
The festive outdoor gathering will feature:
- Brand New 15-Foot Menorah
- Live Musical Performances
- A dazzling LED Robot Show
- A skilled Balloon Artist creating Chanukah-themed creations for children
- Traditional Chanukah treats, including dreidels, Sufganiot (doughnuts), and chocolate gelt
- Chanukah kits and menorahs available for attendees
When: Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30 PM
Where: Fountain Square, Davis St & Sherman Ave
“This celebration brings the entire Evanston community together—students, families, and local leaders—to share a moment of unity, joy, and pride.”
Arts & Culture Corner
c/o SPACE
The James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy is the official non-profit partner for the Preservation Hall Jazz Bands, A Creole Christmas, performance at Cahn Auditorium.
When: Fri, Dec 12, 2025 | 7:00pm Doors | 8:00pm Show
Where: Cahn Auditorium | 600 Emerson St
Tickets here
23rd Annual Winter Arts & Crafts Expo
Evanston Art Center brings you a Winter Arts & Crafts Expo includes original handmade works of jewelry ceramics fiber metal glass painting photography mixed media and more.
All proceeds from the Expo will benefit the ongoing exhibition education and outreach programs at the Art Center. The Winter Expo is also the perfect opportunity for families to shop for everyone on their holiday gift list.
General Shopping– 9am-6pm Monday – Thursday | 9am-5pm Friday | 9am-4pm Saturdays & Sundays
When: November 22nd – December 20th 2025
Where: 1717 Central Street
For more information
DANCE
Where: 1100 Laramie Ave, Wilmette, IL
For ticket info.
MUSIC
Celebrate the season with the Evanston Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Concert.
Nearly 300 musicians, dancers, and singers—from the North Shore Choral Society to the Evanston Children’s Choir, Chicago Ballet Arts, and Evanston Dance Ensemble—come together for a festive showcase of holiday classics, beloved carols, and show-stopping dance performances.
The afternoon culminates in both Handel’s and Quincy Jones’ powerful “Hallelujah Chorus,” plus a special visit from Santa and friends
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m.
Where: ETHS Auditorium
More info
EXHIBITION: A Legacy in Miniature: Rotary’s Fight to End Polio
 To honor Rotary’s decades-long commitment to eradicating polio, miniature artists from around the world were invited to recreate powerful moments from this historic global effort.
The pieces are currently on display at One Rotary Center, and the public is invited to view the art and learn more about the fight to end polio worldwide.
When: now through through Jan 14, 2026 | Mon-Fri| 9am-5pm
Where: 1560 Sherman
Join Art Makers Outpost for a special Holiday Card Mess Around & Find Out workshop! Our art facilitators will guide you through every step, and you’ll walk away with your own personalized holiday cards!
This adult-only evening is a unique opportunity to connect with friends, partners, colleagues, and neighbors in an inclusive environment.
We provide all materials, so all you have to do is let your creativity flow!
When: Tuesday, December 16 at 6:45 pm
Where: 609 South Boulevard
More information and registration here: https://www.artmakersoutpost.com/oad-workshops
Have a upcoming event?
Help us add to our calendar! We encourage you to submit all your upcoming events through our website.
Please review the following submission guidelines:
- Only public events may be listed
- Cannot be solely retail in nature
- Cannot be solely religious or political in nature
- Cannot be solely fundraisers or networking events
- Should be leisure time or recreational activities
Event eligibility is also evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At this time, we are only able to accept event listings in English.
 See below for local upcoming events! In addition, you can find the full calendar of summer events on the Enjoy Evanston website.
Enjoy other Events around town
 What do YOU enjoy about Evanston?
With ten unique business districts, there is something for everyone to enjoy! We want to hear about your faves. Tell us about your favorite places for health and fitness, your favorite store or art gallery to explore, or your favorite place to eat! Send us an email about your favorite spots at hello@enjoyevanston.com.
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