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November 15, 2013    


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Downtown Evanston
Events & Specials
Retail and Restaurant Specials


Get to downtown Evanston at 4pm to take advantage of Kids' Activities throughout! Make sure to arrive at Fountain Square at 5:30pm to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they make their way down Sherman Ave. on an Evanston Fire Truck and light the tree!

Kid's Activities in downtown Evanston:
  • Join Gather from 3-5pm for holiday crafts, hot chocolate and festive music! Free and open to the public.
  • Take a ride around downtown Evanston on the Holiday Bash Trolley sponsored the Evanston Chamber of Commerce starting at 4pm! 
  • See a live performance of the Music Institute of Chicago's Suzuki cellos and a preview of "Willie Wonka, Jr." from 4 - 5:15pm at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.   
  • Sample Farmhouse's Hot Wisconsin Apple Cider and listen to holiday stories at Farmhouse, 703 Church St. from 4 - 5:30pm.
  • Bring the little ones to Bright Horizons for storytelling, arts and crafts and holiday treats before the treelighting!
  • Family Storytelling in the Snug at The Celtic Knot Public House from 4 pm to 5 pm.  Featuring Master Storytellers Beth Horner, Susan O'Halloran, Marilyn Price, Anne Shimojima, and Jane Stenson.
  • Take part in a kid's class at Ayla's Originals (1511 Sherman Ave) starting at 4pm  
  • Holiday Cookies and Bookies for families from 4-5 pm at 27 Live! Free cookies, cider and coffee while enjoying stories with Nili Yelin, The Storybook Mom!
  • Purchase a yummy grilled cheese at Cheesie's Pub and Grub, 622 Davis and enjoy children's storytelling from 4:30 - 5:15pm.
  • Bring family and friends to 812 Church St. (next to Levi's) from 4:45 - 5:15pm and join students from etc. Music School as they ring in the holiday season with unique arrangements of holiday classics as well as newly-composed songs for the season  
  • Enjoy a live performance by Music Institute of Chicago Suzuki violins from 4:15 - 5pm and Suzuki guitars from 5-6pm at Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge, 624 Davis St.  
  • Second Baptist Church will be leading the crowd in holiday carols as Santa, Mrs. Claus and Mayor Tisdahl light the tree! 
  • Visit with Mrs. Claus and enjoy roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate from 4-5:30pm and again from 6:30 - 9pm outside of Bravo! Cucina Italiana at 1701 Maple Ave.
  • After your visit with Mrs. Claus, make your way to Northwestern Medicine at 1704 Maple Ave. for holiday treats and face painting!   
  • From 4 - 9pm, Buffalo Wild Wings will be hosting a free Kids Decorating Party! Decorate an ornament to leave in the restaurant and one to take home. Kid's meals are just $0.99 with  adult entree purchase. (Limit 2 kids meals per adult; Children 12 and younger).
  • Members of the Actor's Gymnasium Teen Ensemble will perform a unicycle routine and deliver a juggling workshop for the general public from 4:45 - 5:15pm at the 909 Davis St. plaza
  • Write a letter to Santa and Military Members at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Ave. starting at 4pm
  • Tierra y Luz de Mexico from St. Nicholas Church will be performing traditional dances at 812 Church St. (Next to Levi's) at 6:30 and 7:15pm! 
  • Dine in at Trattoria Demi and kids eat free! With every adult entree purchased, receive a free kids entree from the children's menu. (Not available for take out or delivery)
  • Wheel and Sprocket at 1027 Davis St. will be hosting festive music and holiday treats!   
  • Country Financial, 1015 Davis St. will be offering children's face painting starting at 4
  • Look for strolling carolers and entertainment making their way around downtown Evanston throughout the evening.
  • Santa will be visiting with kids after the treelighting from 6:30 - 9pm outside of Bennison's Bakery at 1000 Davis St! 
Retail and Restaurant Specials

Jane Miller November Trunk show: In Style

Sat., November 16th, 10am - 5pm & Sun., November 17th, noon - 5pm

Gorgeous Vests, Scarves, Shawls - Beautiful Colors and Fabrics! Always a variety of clothing and accessories from other designers. Jane Miller Gallery is located at 708 Church St., Suite 234. If the show dates are not convenient, call for an appointment!

 

 

  

Fall Family Movie at the McGaw YMCA

Friday, November 15th

 

Bring the family for a movie and pizza and join us at the McGaw YMCA Children's Center this Friday night (11/15) for a screening of 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'! Pizza in the cafeteria at 5:30pm, movie begins in the auditorium at 6pm!   

  

 

Paint a canvas for St. Jude's at Gather

Through December 15th   

 

This holiday season Gather is donating 100 canvases to raise $1,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Help us reach our goal by stopping in today.  

 

It's easy to participate! Just stop in before December 15th; Gather will provide you with an  8 x 8 canvas, paint brushes and a comfy spot to create your painting. Add your masterpiece to the St. Jude's exhibit and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

 

Recommended donation of $10. 100% of all donations go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Paintings will be on display at Gather until 12/15 and can be picked up between 12/16 & 12/22 - in time for holiday gifting!  

 

Events at Whole Foods Market 

Holiday Top 10 Wines - Friday, November 15th - 5 - 7pm - FREE

Top-notch wines at easy-to--swallow prices! 

  Whole Foods logo

Vitamin Expo - Saturday, November 16th  - 1 - 4pm - FREE 

Learn all about the role of supplements in good nutrition and overall wellness. Meet experts on antioxidants, cleansing, enzymes, probiotics, protein, raw foods and more! Enjoy samples, coupons and prizes. Plus, catch special nutrition support sessions!  

 

How to Carve a Turkey - Sunday November 17th - 12 & 3 pm - FREE

Impress your in-laws: carve that turkey like a pro! Join Corey, the Associate Meat Team Leader for 2 demonstrations on proper carving techniques. We'll also have samples of our holiday catering available during the Holiday Tasting, so be sure to enjoy a few tastes of the season from 12 - 4pm!

 

 

Small Business Reception at the Evanston Public Library

Monday, November 18, 5 pm, Community Meeting Room, Main Library  

 

InSync Consulting Services, Inc. is sponsoring a reception and networking event for small business owners. Lindsey Croasdale of the Shriver Center will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the Affordable Care Act and what it means for small business. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Reference Desk at 847-448-8630 for more information.

 

 

 

Cornerstone Health Ribbon Cutting

November 20th, 4:45pm   

 

Join Cornerstone Health and Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl for a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration at their new office location at 500 Davis! Enjoy a tour of the new facility, food and beverage offerings, and a raffle for prizes donated by Evanston businesses.

 

 

Holiday Survival Guide - Izzy Fit and Chiropractic First 

November 20th, 6:30pm  

 

The holidays are just around the corner (WHAT??), and as fun and exciting as that can be it's also a little scary. With the effort to stay fit and stress-free without gaining weight this holiday season, IzzyFit Personal Training is offering a special Holiday Survival Workshop on Wednesday, November 20th at Chiropractic First, 1609 Chicago Ave. from 6:30-8:30PM. During this extremely helpful Holiday Survival Workshop you'll: Learn about stress management, helpful exercises you can do anywhere, easy-to-implement tips and tricks for staying on track with your goals, discover delicious alternatives to high sugar holiday dishes and more!

 

 

Cornucopia Holiday Gift Show 2013

November 22nd - 24th  

 

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For more than 20 years, the Women's Club of Evanston's annual holiday gift show has been a go-to source for women's and children's apparel and accessories, unique home décor, gourmet food, children's toys and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Nearly 60 local and regional artisans sell their handcrafted and specialty items at this juried event. All three dates are open to the public and proceeds from Cornucopia benefit local non-profit organizations.

 

For Show dates, hours and admission, visit here

 

 

Chili's Bar and Grill

Visit here and register for Chili's Bar and Grill's E-Club! Receive free chips and your choice of salsa, guacamole or queso just for signing up! You'll also receive valuable offers & promotions to use at Chili's Bar and Grill at 1765 Maple Ave!
 

Koi Fine Asian Cuisine and Lounge November Events

Martini Class

Thursday, November 21  7-9pm

 

Join Startenders Dan and Eric and learn to make some delicious winter inspired cocktails!

Did we mention that you get to drink them, and leave with recipe cards?! Light appetizers will also be served. Get your tickets here.  
 

Classes at Grateful Yoga 

The Gift of Relaxation: A Holiday Workshop with Rhoda Miriam

Saturday, November 23rd, 2-4pm 

Grateful Yoga

 

Preparing for the holidays often involves adding to our already full "to-do" lists. As many of us have experienced, this feeling of overload tends to create even more mental stress and physical tension than we normally carry.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. No yoga or meditation experience required. Props provided. Cost is $35, save $5 if paid by Nov 18. Register here 

  

Thriving in a Time of Indulgence: Yoga & Ayurveda for Digestion with Yoli Maya Yeh

Saturday, December 7th, 2 - 4pm

 

Who doesn't love to gorge on yummy treats during the holidays? And who doesn't find themselves lamenting the indulgence? Join Yoli in a workshop that explores how to maintain your best digestive health at a time when most of us are eating rich foods that we don't eat regularly.  

Cost is $35, save $5 if paid by Nov 30. Register here 

 

 

 

November Events at WineStyles WineStyles

Now is a great time to experience wines that are perfect for the holiday season. Join WineStyles at 1741 Sherman Ave. for their regular FREE wine tastings every Thursday night from 5:30-7:30 and Saturday from 2-4 and also for the following:

 

Friday, Nov. 15: 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Friday Night Flights, $5 pp: Wines of Spain & Trivia Night

 

Saturday, Nov. 16: 2-4 p.m. - Special Wine Tasting & Mary Kay Holiday Shopping Event, Free to Public

 

Friday, Nov. 22: 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Friday Night Flights, $5 pp: Port Wines for Thanksgiving

 

 

Comedy Night at Unicorn Cafe

December 7th from 7:30-9pm   

 

Head to the Unicorn Cafe for a night of laughter! The Unicorn Cafe will be hosting three comedians; enjoy seasonal beverages and laughs!  

  

 

Evanston Art Center's 11th Annual Winter Arts & Crafts Expo

November 23rd - December 22nd

 

The Evanston Art Center is proud to present the 11th annual Winter Arts & Crafts Expo. Winter Expo features one-of-a-kind pieces of work by over 110 selected artisans. Winter Expo will be held from November 23 to December 22, 2013 at the Evanston Art Center; Mondays - Saturdays from 10am - 4pm (closed Thanksgiving) and Sundays from 12pm - 4pm.

 

The Arts and crafts offered at the Winter Expo include 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 Evanston Art Center. The Winter Expo is also the perfect opportunity for families to shop for everyone on their holiday gift list. Check out show times and special events here! 

Community Events
Technology Innovation Center' 27th Anniversary Celebration!
November 21st, 5-8pm
TIC Logo
Come celebrate 27 years of the Technology Innovation Center at 820 Davis Street on November 21st! Meet some of the current tenants and entrepreneurs and network and catch up with old friends of the Technology and Innovation Center!

First Night Evanston

FirstNight Evanston, the legendary community-wide New Year's Eve celebration returns!  

 

That's right- after an absence of several years, Evanston's favorite party is back. But we need your help to make it happen, and we're holding a special event at SPACE on the afternoon of November 24 from 1-3pm to gather the movers and shakers and the people who can help us make the return of First Night a success.  

 

Please join us! We'll be featuring special performances from some of the stars of First Night, including Evanston's own Grammy Award winner, Howard Levy, jazz virtuoso (and Evanstonian) Bobby Broom, and other surprise guests, as well as nibbles and sips and a chance to become a First Night ambassador, helping us to spread the word to insure a good turnout and successful return of Evanston's favorite celebration. Please follow the link below and join us for an afternoon of fantastic music and fun, and help us to bring back First Night Evanston in style!  

 

Tickets can be purchased here and more information can be found on Facebook

 

 

Spaces Available for Artist Vendors at Holiday Bazaar

Holiday BazaarThis year's Holiday Bazaar will be held at ETHS in conjuction with the Evanston Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Program on Sun., Dec. 8. The Holiday Bazaar will be open for shopping before, during and after the program. The Symphony projects to sell over 1,000 tickets to their program. Interested artists should contact Myra Gorman at 847-448-8045 or mgorman@cityofevanston.org. The artist vendor fee is $80 (includes one 8- ft. table and 2 chairs). Vendors will be accepted until Dec. 4.



Flying Turkey 5k

November 28

 

Start your holiday off on the right foot!

Register for the 3rd Annual Evanston Flying Turkey 5k this Thanksgiving! This awesome, family event is a great way to kick off your Thanksgiving weekend and get in some great exercise before your turkey dinner.

We sold out the last two years, so don't miss your chance to register! The first 2,000 people to sign up will receive an official Evanston Flying Turkey 5k Heavyweight Longsleeve shirt.

Be sure to bring a canned food item to the race to drop in the donation bin.  

 

Thanksgiving in Downtown Evanston

Chefs Station

915 Davis Street 

(847) 570-9821

3-Course Thanksgiving Dinnerthanksgiving-dinner.jpg

4-7:30pm

$38 per person

Click here for menu and reservations! 

 

 

The Globe Café at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston Hotel

1710 Orrington Avenue

(847) 866-8700

Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner

11am - 7pm

$34 - Adults, $17 - Kids 7 - 12, Children 6 and under are free with each paying Adult

Click here for menu and reservations! 

 

Who's Hiring?
Hot Mama, 1608 Sherman Ave.

Part Time Stylist

Love to play dress up? Passionate about helping moms feel beautiful? Hot Mama is looking for a PT Stylist to help them empower, inspire + style moms at their Evanston location. Stylists are the frontlines. The product pioneers. The rock stars. They bring the Hot Mama customer experience to life every time they're on the floor. They have a fabulous personal sense of style + strong, positive communication skills. They are the reason our moms walk out the door feeling beautiful.

 

To apply, send resume and application to Breanne at breanne@hotmamaonline.com. Download + complete application at  http://www.shopmama.com/careers.cfm.

 

Country Financial, 1015 Davis St. 

 

Country Financial is an established and growing insurance and financial services company

interested in individuals who reside in the North Shore and surrounding areas! Click here to learn more about an exciting job opportunity and then visit their website to apply online!  

 

World of Beer - Evanston, 1601 Sherman Ave.

 

Have a passion for Craft Beer? Dedicated to hospitality? Ready to pair awesome food with great beer?  World of Beer- Evanston is looking for a few good people!  Now hiring talented and enthusiast individuals to spread WOB Culture one beer at a time! Please visit http://wobusa.com/Locations/Evanston/Employment.aspx and stop by WOB- Evanston with your completed application and resume Monday through Thursday between 1:00PM - 4:00PM. We are looking forward to building our team!
 
Awesome Deals on the Downtown Evanston Mobile App!
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

Quick Links
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.