Holiday Tree Lighting

On Tuesday, November 22 at 5:30 p.m. Evanstonians will gather together to welcome the upcoming holiday season with the annual Evanston Holiday Tree Lighting in Fountain Square (at the intersection of Davis St., Orrington Ave. and Sherman Ave.)

The is a free celebration which includes an outdoor performance with appearances by the Music Institute of Chicago, Evanston Mayor Tisdahl, Rotary International’s Deputy General Secretary, Pete Deberge and Santa Claus who will arrive on an Evanston fire truck to the delight of the many children present.

Downtown Evanston will continue the tradition of the “green” tree lighting ceremony with thousands of reusable LED lights decorating the majestic tree. This years’ tree was generously donated by The Driscoll Family. Also green this year are LED “candles” which the participants from the Music Institute of Chicago will hold while they sing holiday carols. Keeping the children in mind, @Properties has generously donated glow sticks for the children attending the Tree Lighting to hold and enjoy as downtown Evanston welcomes in the holiday season.

Immediately following the ceremony is a festive warm-up reception with holiday goodies hosted by Rotary International in their Café in One Rotary Center, at 1560 Sherman Avenue, across from Fountain Square. The Light Opera Works Theater will perform two songs from the upcoming production of The Secret Garden, a three-time Tony Award winning musical, perfect for families during the holiday season. In the spirit of holiday giving, warm clothing essentials like socks, long underwear, gloves, hats, etc. will be accepted for donation to Hilda's Place, Evanston’s emergency housing and support services for the homeless. Hilda’s provides more than 12,600 nights of shelter and serves 20,000 meals per year to those in need.  

Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in the One Rotary Center Building garage, with entry on Grove Street just west of Sherman Avenue.

For more information please call the Downtown Evanston offices at (847) 866-6319 or visit us at www.downtownevanston.org.