Now that the turkey is reduced to leftovers, many folks will be turning their attention this weekend to shopping for holiday gifts.
Merchant groups in Downtown Evanston, the Main-Dempster Mile and Central Street all have events planned this weekend.
Downtown Evanston is offering a $20 Evanston Gift Card to shoppers who spend $100 at local businesses. Main-Dempster Mile is offering a gift bag for purchases of $100. And Central Street merchants are promoting free parking vouchers — all to encourage residents to shop locally this holiday season.
More holiday events are coming up in Evanston:
- Celebrate Hanukkah with Tannenbaum Chabad House on Mon., Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m. at Fountain Square. Enjoy live music, an LED robot dancer and festive treats.
- Join Mayor Daniel Biss, Santa and Mrs. Claus in lighting the holiday tree in Fountain Square on Sat., Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. The event features performances by Evanston Children’s Choir, Northwestern Purple Haze and the Actors Gymnasium.
- More music of the season from Rembrandt Chamber Musicians for Holiday Baroque on Sun., Dec. 5 and the Evanston Symphony Orchestra for its annual Holiday Concert on Sun., Dec. 12.
- And the Mayor’s Holiday Food and Toy Drive is accepting donations online and toys and other gifts at local recreation centers and other sites around Evanston.