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Thursday, November 15, 2012   

 
Downtown Evanston
Events & Specials
The Downtown Evanston Holiday Bash & Tree Lighting
Friday,
November 16, 4 - 9pm
Tree Lighting will take place in Fountain Square at 5:30pm

Bring the family downtown for a night out and take advantage of
shopping and dining specials!

Catch live music by the Music Institute of Chicago, Light Opera Works, Northwestern University A Capella groups, Piccolo Theatre and local musicians in stores and restaurants. Help the Music Institute of Chicago lead carols during the tree lighting
and listen to strolling carolers!

Many of your favorite downtown businesses will have their   windows decorated for the season and will be passing out treats such as hot chocolate, hot cider, cookies and more!


Enjoy the magic of a trolley ride sponsored by the Evanston Chamber of Commerce throughout downtown and be sure not to miss Mayor Tisdahl and Santa light up the tree in Fountain Square at 5:30pm! Afterwards Santa will be at 1612 Sherman Ave. and Mrs. Claus will be at Bravo Cucina Italiana! Stop in and visit with them and don't forget to bring warm essentials such as socks, hats, gloves and coats to benefit Hilda's Place, Connections for the Homeless! Plus, the Evanston Dance Ensemble will be performing while you wait in line to visit Santa!
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Retail & Restaurant Specials
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Visit us at  DowntownEvanston.org for the latest information  on all that there is to do in downtown Evanston! See what's happening on our  monthly events calendar, follow us on twitter at @DowntwnEvanston and become a 'fan' of Downtown Evanston on facebook to stay up-to-date and informed on everything happening in downtown Evanston!   
Community News & Events

Gift CardThe Downtown Evanston gift card which is accepted at 140 downtown businesses is now available for purchase online! This new online system simplifies the process of purchasing the popular card and makes it even easier for out-of-town friends and family to purchase the Downtown Evanston gift card for Students, Friends, Family, Clients, etc. who live and work in and around Evanston. The card can still be purchased in person at the Downtown Evanston office at 820 Davis St., Suite 151 and at First Bank & Trust at 820 Church St.

 

 

 

 

Flying Turkey 5K - Nov. 22

The Evanston Flying Turkey 5k is a run and walk along the Evanston lakefront path on Thanksgiving morning. Sweatshirts will be given to the first 2,000 registrants. Awards will be given to top 3 overall and in age group categories. This is the second year for the event and we expect to sell out ahead of time. Register here!   

  

   

 

 

Shop Evanston Day is December 15! Support your community and shop local! More information to come! 

Holiday Bash & Tree Lighting Events

Argo Tea, 1596 Sherman Avenue

4 - 5pm

Sample seasonal beverages while enjoying story telling!

 

 

 

 

 

ASHA salonspa, 1604 Sherman Avenue

4 - 9pm

Enjoy complimentary Chair Massages, Stress-Relieving Hand

Massages  or AVEDA MakeUp Finishing Touch, while the kids

create their new favorite holiday ornament! Plus purchase $100 or more in  AVEDA Holiday Gift Set and/or AVEDA Retail and receive a  Complimentary $20 Gift Certificate for yourself!

 

 

Kooky Kidstuff, 1613 Sherman Avenue

4 - 9pm

Face painting!

 

Pete Miller's, 1557 Sherman Avenue

8pm

Enjoy live music by the Nia Quintet

 

 

 

 

Pivot Point Academy, 1560 Sherman Avenue

6 - 8:30pm

Complimentary nail polish change!

 

Pret A Manger, 1701 Sherman Avenue

7 - 9pm

Warm up after the Tree Lighting with complimentary soup,  

hot chocolate and cookies!  

Plus there will be a face painter for the kids!

 

 

 

Unicorn Café, 1723 Sherman Avenue

4 - 8pm 

Try peppermint hot chocolates, mochas and gingerbread lattes while enjoying live jazz and blues by Earnest Nellis from 6:30 - 8pm.

 

WineStyles, 1741 Sherman Avenue

5 - 7pm

Friday Night Flights - $5 for a sample of 3 wines.

 

Santa at 1612 Sherman Avenue

6:30 - 9pm

Visit Santa after the Tree Lighting at 1612 Sherman Ave.  

Be sure to bring your camera!
Don't forget to bring donations of warm winter coats, hats, gloves, clothing, etc. being collected by Connections for the Homeless to benefit Hilda's Place. Evanston Dance Ensemble will perform pieces from the
upcoming The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and from Candyland, the new work from second company, ede2 at 6:30 and 7:15pm!

 

 

 

Gather, 602 Davis Street

4-5:30pm

Stop in for refreshments and live jazz & blues by Earnest Nellis.

 

KOI, 624 Davis Street 

Enjoy $2.50 appetizers, $5 spiked hot chocolate and $3 hot chocolate for the kids, as well as $5 lychee sangria while enjoying one of the following performances!
  • 4:45pm: KOI hosts The Music Institute of Chicago Suzuki Flute Students.
  • 6 - 7pm: The Music Institute of Chicago's Suzuki String Quartet with Michele George!
  • 7pm: KOI hosts Nick Zhou on Piano!
  • 7:30pm: Enjoy live jazz standards and holiday carols by Joey Conway and Katy Taylor! 

 

Potbelly, 630 Davis Street 

  4 - 9pm

Come in and show off your coloring skills  

and get a free sugar cookie.

 

 

 

 

Practice Hora USA, 522 Davis Street  

4 - 9pm

Take part in an open studio class and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and wine!  

 

 

Ten 27 Cycles, 1027 Davis Street 

4 - 8pm 

Stop in for refreshments and enjoy holiday carols by the Cast and Team of the 2013 Waa-Mu Show: Flying Home! Performance from 4:45 - 5:30. Plus take advantage of a store wide sale with deep, deep discounts! 

 

 

 

Bravo Cucina Italiana!, 1701 Maple Avenue 

4 - 5pm

Family Hour with spiced cider, cookies and ornament
crafting to decorate Bravo's tree.

4 - 9pm

Every dinner table will have the chance to select a free gift
from under the tree. Gifts range from free appetizers to $100 gift cards!

 

Mrs. Claus will be at Bravo Cucina Italiana visiting with kids and families from 4 - 9pm (except from 5:15 - 6:15pm when she is helping Santa light the tree)! Enjoy roasted chestnuts and a visit with Mrs. Claus! Don't forget your camera!

 

 

Century Theatres, 1715 Maple Avenue 

4 - 9pm

Let the kids participate in a Holiday Movie Coloring Contest!

 

 

Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Avenue 

4 - 9pm

Join the Evanston Chamber of Commerce while you snack on holiday cookies from the Hilton Garden Inn and Prana Cafe's Signature Drink: Peppermint Hot Chocolate! The kids can also write letters to Santa and our Servicemen!  

 

 

Bright Horizons, 1629 Orrington Avenue 

  6:30 - 9pm

Bring your family for an open house!  

Take a tour of the new center and  

enjoy story telling, cookie decorating,  

ornament crafting, face painting and more! 

 

 

Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue 

4 - 5:30

Bring the kids for story time a hot chocolate reception. Plus catch a sneak peak performance of Oliver! by Light Opera Works!

 

 

Hilton Orrington/ Evanston Hotel, 1710 Orrington Avenue 

7 - 9pm

Catch a performance by the Music Institute of Chicago Voice Faculty and Students at  

Indigo Lounge in the Hotel.

 

 

Becky & Me Toys, 620 Grove Street  

6 - 8pm

Bring a game to donate for Toys For Tots, plus purchases  

made for donation to Toys For Tots will receive 20% off!  

6pm-7pm: Arts and crafts projects

7pm-8pm: Family Game Night and a Yamslam contest! Contest winner will receive a deluxe Yamslam game.

 

J. Antou Salon, 625 Grove Street  

 4 - 7pm

Face painting! 

 

Margarita European Inn, 1566 Oak Avenue 

4 - 9pm

Cozy up by our fire and enjoy light refreshments in the Grand Parlor. Cast and team members of the Waa-MU show: Flying Home will perform holiday carols from 4 - 4:45pm.

 

 

Talia Boutique, 1526 Chicago Avenue 

4 - 9pm 

Stop in for refreshments and a jewelry trunk show! Members of the Piccolo Theatre's production Bah Humbug!, will perform a musical number from the show at 4pm!  

 

 

Whole Foods Market, 1640 Chicago Avenue 

Enjoy a taste of spiced cider or the newly released 2012  

Beaujolais Nouveau wine and listen to beautiful harp music  

by Derin Kenney from 6 - 8pm! Donate your winter clothing to  

the clothing drive (for this evening only) to benefit  

One Dime At A time recipient: Evanston School Children's Clothing Association.   

 

 

Women's Club of Evanston Cornucopia Gift Fair, 1702 Chicago Avemue 

5 - 9pm,   

This annual event is a local favorite for holiday shoppers looking for unique,  

hand-made home decor, apparel, children's clothing and accessories,  

gourmet foods, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. More than 50 local and regional

artisans will be selling their handcrafted and specialty items at this juried event.

 

 

Vinic Wine, 1509 Chicago Avneue 

5 - 7pm 

Friday Night Tasting - $5    

Holiday Bash & Tree Lighting Specials

Benefit Boutique, 1625 Sherman Avenue

Holiday Happy Hour from 5 - 7pm - Receive a complimentary brow shaping with the purchase of 2 products. Enjoy holiday treats, plus receive a deluxe sample with your purchase.

 

 

 

 

Creperie Saint Germain, 1512 Sherman Avenue

4 - 9pm

Warm up with $1 hot chocolates!

 

Gap, 1706 Sherman Avenue

4 - 8pm

Take 25% off regular priced clothing.  

 

Saville Flowers, 1714 Sherman Avenue

4 - 6:30pm

10% off all holiday merchandise. 

 

 

 

T-Mobile, 1732 Sherman Avenue

4 - 9pm

Take advantage of discounts on select phones with activation of  

service and prize give-a-ways.

 

 

 

Tommy Nevin's, 1450 Sherman Avenue

4 - 9pm

$5 Egg Nog.  

 

Jamba Juice, 630 Davis Street

4 - 9pm

50% off all holiday smoothies: Egg Nog Jubilee or Pumpkin Smash!  

Enjoy a live DJ and take part in a snowflake and ornament decorating!

 

Taco Diablo, 1029 Davis Street

After 9pm

After the Holiday Bash, head to Taco Diablo for $2.50 Tacos and $2.50 Tecates after 9pm.

 

 

Fit + Frisky, 1017 Davis Street

4 - 9pm

Bring your pet and enjoy light refreshments for the both of you!  Plus enter a drawing to win a holiday gift basket! 

  

 

 

Gigi BOTTEGA, 612 Davis Street

4 - 7pm

20% off all merchandise!

Lemoi Ace Hardware

4 - 7pm 

Stop by for a holiday gift!

 

 

 

Francesca's Collections, 1706 Maple Avenue

4 - 8pm

20% off all regular-price merchandise.

 

Buffalo Wild Wings, 1741 Maple Avenue

4 - 9pm

Free Kids Decorating Party! Make an ornament or decoration to hang up in our restaurant, and one for yourself to take home! Free kids meal with an adult entree purchase. Kids 12 years old or younger; only 2 kids meal per adult. Also come see our Buffalo Mascot "Blaze".  

 

 

Uncle Dan's, 901 Church Street

Receive a free pair of socks (up to $20 value) with the purchase of waterproof  

shoes. Also see guitarist Gene Lim perform from 6:30 - 8pm! 

 

Williams Next Door, 706 Church Street

4 - 9pm

15% off your purchase!

 

American Apparel, 950 Church Street

4 - 8pm

Buy 2 basic leggings or 2 basic t-shirts, get the 3rd
(of the same product) for 50% off. Same style only.

 

Celtic Knot, 626 Church Street

$3.00 Eugene Porter from Chicago's Revolution Brewing

 

 

Dixie Kitchen, 825 Church Street

Shrimp and grits for $12.95, and Bourbon Street Hurricane for $5.50.

 

 

Retail and Restaurant Specials

 

Jane Miller Trunk Shows - Nov. 17 & 18

Jane Miller woman's clothing gallery, specializes in unique clothing & accessories created by independent designers from around the country for women who want style, comfort & simplicity.  At Jane Miller, we are privileged to create beautiful wardrobes inspired by and developed for our valued clients.  Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm.  708 Church Street, Suite 234, 773-472-3027

 

Let's Burn the Bird! A fun run with lululemon - Nov. 24th

Join us Saturday morning to run off those Thanksgiving treats and make room to gobble up

 leftovers with a 4-mile run through Evanston! Meet at lululemon athletica at 1622 Sherman Ave at 8:30am. Bring yourself and your family!  

 

 

 

 

Tapasya Yoga at Grateful Yoga - Nov. 25 

A new holiday tradition Sunday, November 25, 10-11:30a (no 8:30a class). $17 or class card. Registration strongly encouraged.The yoga tradition celebrates the practice of tapas (Sanskrit for "heat") to remove the obstacles that prevent us from shining in our lives. Just as metals can be purified through the skillful application of fire, yoga postures, breathing and meditation can serve the same purpose for our inner transformation. 

 

This workshop will aid the process of creating mindful change during the excesses of the holiday season.   Great for transforming negative holiday patterns of stress and fatigue into new traditions of empowerment, self-care, and gratitude. Grateful Yoga


Women's Club of Evanston Cornucopia Gift Fair - Nov. 16 - 18
From amazing jewelry to handcrafted artwork, clothing, chocolate and much more, Cornucopia is Evanston's premier, juried, artisan gift fair! Held annually at the Woman's Club clubhouse, this collection of goods surprises and delights holiday shoppers at the start of the season with exquisite, artistic, original objects. The proceeds go directly back to deserving charities that serve the community, ensuring that each gift purchased continues to give beyond the holidays. Visit here for more information.

 

Thanksgiving Dinner at Pensiero Ristorante- Nov. 22 

Join Pensiero for Thanksgiving this year for a Chef's specially crafted three-course prix fixe menu.  $52/adult with children's menus ranging from $12-$15 for kids under 12 years old.  Dinner service begins at 3:00pm with our last seating at 6:30. Credit cards are required for reservations. Call 847-475-7779 for more information.

 

 

Ten 27 Cycles

A storewide clearance event will give customers the opportunity to get incredible deals for early holiday shopping and any of their cycling needs. All merchandise is currently discounted 15% to 40%, with additional deep markdowns to be taken on any remaining items over the next few weeks. In addition, quantity discounts on any purchase of three or more items will be offered. The sale will continue until everything is sold. For more information, visit the store web site at www.ten27cycles.com.  

 

FREE Anti-Aging Treatment at Nail Bar included with All Manicures and Pedicures!

Now through the end of the year Nail Bar will include a Renude Anti-Aging Body Serum into all manicures and pedicures for free! The serum is highly effective and designed to combat signs of aging on the hands, feet, face, decolletage, or anywhere else on the body. This unique blend of green tea, sea algae, clover extract, and rare essential oils actually restores and firms the skin by kick-starting collagen production. 

   

 

Title Nine Thursdays in November!

Thursdays throughout November, Title Nine, located at 816.5 Church Street will be extending their hours and staying open until 7pm! In addition to staying open later, they will be doing product features and giveaways and serving treats in store!  

 

 

The 7th Annual CMS Expo - May 14-16

Come discover new, smarter ways to make your content work for you at the 7th Annual CMS Expo at the Hilton Orrington Hotel. REGISTER Here.
Passport to Downtown Evanston App
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Click to download the Passport to Downtown Evanston App! The Passport to Downtown Evanston App is a great way to take advantage of all that downtown Evanston has to offer. With over 90 participating businesses, there is sure to be something for everyone. Enjoy exciting discounts and special offers from local businesses for FREE! All you have to do is download the Passport to Downtown Evanston App to your iPhone or Android powered mobile phone.
Downtown Evanston Visitor Information Center
downtown evanston
Make Downtown Evanston your one stop shop for visitor information. Whether it's information for out-of-town guests, or a long time resident, Downtown Evanston has all of the answers.

While your there be sure to pick up a Downtown Evanston Gift Card now available at over 120 participating shopping, dining, and service businesses. 

Visit Downtown Evanston at 820 Davis St, Suite 151

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Who is Downtown Evanston?
Downtown Evanston provides marketing and management services to the downtown Evanston Illinois district and is a 501(c) (6) non-profit corporation.  The district that Downtown Evanston is responsible for is the Special Service Area 4 (SSA4), Illinois' equivalent of a Business Improvement District (BID). Established in 1987,  Downtown Evanston is governed by a Board of Directors and works in partnership with the city of Evanston.