As Lake Michigan turns from vibrant blue to harsh winter gray and cold winds signal the start of winter, Evanston can begin to feel a little arctic. Fortunately, there is no shortage of heartwarming events throughout the season, from art and music to shopping and the holiday ‘L.’
Flapjacks and Flannels on Saturday, Dec. 6
To kick off the first weekend of December, the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center is hosting a pancake breakfast, featuring a themed photo booth and arts and crafts. Preregistration is required, and tickets are available for $25 on the city’s website.
Holiday Light Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6
The Fountain Square tree will be lit at 5 p.m., along with plenty of other highlights for attendees to enjoy. The Evanston Children’s Choir is scheduled to perform at 4:30 p.m. The Merion, a senior living community, is serving complimentary treats and beverages from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and has free photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus in The Crystal Ballroom. Other performances include the Evanston Folk Choir, Northwestern Community Singers and Soul4Real A Cappella.
Dempster-Chicago Sip, Shop & Sing on Wednesday, Dec. 10
Those looking to support local businesses while holiday shopping can visit the Main-Dempster Mile business district, where many shops, including Stumble & Relish, Skylight Vintage, Etc. and Crafted, will remain open until 7 p.m. The Frozen Robins carolers will serenade the business district throughout the 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. event.
Late-er Night Thursday on Thursday, Dec. 11
For another opportunity to shop locally on the other side of Evanston, many shops in the Central Street business district will remain open until 7 p.m. Central Street is northern Evanston’s main thoroughfare, extending through the 6th and 7th Wards from the city’s western border to Lake Michigan.
Nutcracker on Ice from Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14
The Robert Crown Community Center will be getting Tchaikovsky-ed up the second weekend of the month for their 50th Anniversary rendition of Nutcracker on Ice. Skaters of all levels will perform the story of The Nutcracker at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available for $12 at the door or in advance on the city’s website.
Arts Makers Outpost Handmade Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 13
Arts Makers Outpost, located at 609 South Blvd., is hosting a holiday market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a variety of work from local artists. Admission is free.
Evanston Symphony Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 14
The Evanston Symphony Orchestra is scheduled to perform at the Evanston Township High School Auditorium at 3 p.m. The performance will also feature acts such as the North Shore Choral Society, Chicago Ballet Arts and Evanston Dance Ensemble, as well as jolly old Saint Nicholas himself. Adult tickets are available for $35 at the performances or $30 in advance on the Evanston Symphony Orchestra website.
CTA Holiday Train on Wednesday, Dec. 17, Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20
The holiday spirit will be elevated throughout the month as the Chicago Transit Authority Holiday Train returns to all eight ‘L’ lines, including three days on the Purple Line. On Dec. 17, it is scheduled to run from Howard to Linden at 3:15 p.m., Linden to the Loop (express) at 3:50 p.m., Merchandise Mart to Linden at 4:53 p.m. and Linden to Howard at 6 p.m.
On Dec. 19, it will take the same route starting at 3:45 p.m., with the final leg starting at 6:20 p.m. On Dec. 20, photos with Santa are available at the Linden station from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. before the train makes its final full run from Linden to Howard, departing Linden at 6:51 p.m. Normal CTA fares — $2.50 for a single ride and $5 for a day pass — apply.
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Related articles:
— Community members, shop owners celebrate Spooky Saturday on Main-Dempster Mile
— Evanston Symphony Orchestra rehearses for annual holiday concert, aims to celebrate community
— Youth vendors sell handmade creations at Art Makers Outpost holiday marketplace
