Community Corner
A Very Evanston Holiday
Looking for the best ways to celebrate the holidays in town? Our run down of Christmas Eve, Christmas day and New Years Eve events has you covered.
As every Evanston resident can attest, the town knows how to party. That spirit goes far beyond NU tailgating, however. Many of our best known restaurants and bars are throwing their own bashes for Christmas and New Year's Eve. We've put together this list of local favorites who either have parties those days or have adjusted hours. Hopefully, it's just the tool that'll help you decide whether to head out for a great meal looking your best or heat up those leftovers, slip into sweatpants and let the A Christmas Story marathon lull you away into sugarplum dreams.
Please note: in cases where reservations are suggested, it's best to book early — spots fill up fast this time of year. If in doubt, call to confirm holiday hours or packages, as things tend to change last minute.
Last year, Union Pizzeria offered a prix fixe meal and seatings. This year, the eatery and venue tries on a more casual celebration.
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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Closed both days.
New Years Eve: Union Pizzeria was a destination spot last year with their prix fixe menu and special offerings, but this year they're partying in a low key way. On NYE, expect regular hours and regular menus with a few special yet to be determined.
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The prix fixe menu and party atmosphere is back once again this year, with a few key adjustments.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: At 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Pensiero opens it's doors for four course meal. This year, the cost is $65, and wine pairings will be available for an extra fee. Tax and gratuity are not included. Call to make reservations. Closed Christmas Day.
New Years Eve: The end of the year rings in at Pensiero with two New Years Eve seatings: The 6:30 p.m. seating will feature a four course menu for $65, and the 9:00 p.m. seating will feature a five course menu for $95. Neither seating includes tax, tip or drinks. From 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., partygoers can expect live music and dancing. The restaurant also offers a Prosecco toast and party favors at midnight. Call for reservations.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: On Christmas Eve, Jacky's once again offers a fixed price menu based on their tradition of meals from locally sourced family farms. The three course menu here starts at $49 per person, with wine pairings being offered at an additional $15. Reservations strongly suggested. Closed Christmas Day.
New Years Eve: New Year's Eve sees the offerings bumped up to four courses at $65 per person, with optional $20 per person wine pairings. The eatery offers one seating from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and reservations are strongly suggested.
For the 10th year in a row, Prairie Moon is throwing a NYE party with a DJ, dancing and, best of all, no cover charge.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Closed
New Years Eve: 10th annual NYE bash, regular menu with specials, surf and turf/champagne specials, dancing from 9 p.m. on and a DJ, all for no cover. Call for reservations.
Under new management this year, the NYE plan here is still solidifying. Live jazz and a widely ranging menu offering makes Pete Miller's an interesting NYE choice.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Open from 4:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve only. Closed Christmas Day.
New Years Eve: Like last year, Miller's hosts a live jazz band, offers a champagne toast and a special menu TBD. As for whether it'll be a repeat of last year's prix fixe menu, management is still working that out. The staff strongly encourages reservations as soon as possible.
Koi is open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve with special offers for those who subscribe to their mailing list.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Regular hours Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day hours are 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
New Years Eve: The staff here recommends customers subscribe to discover their special deal this year. Regular hours.
If on NYE you need just one more before heading home, Tommy Nevin's may be the place to have it. Like last year, it's open til 3:00 a.m., making it among the latest late night stops in town.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Closed both days
New Years Eve: Open from 11 a.m. til 3 a.m., possible drink and appetizer specials that are yet TBD
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Regular hours Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day
New Years Eve: Open regular hours and offering the regular menu because, as the staff put it: "We want our customers who come to celebrate to eat what they'd like to eat." The staff recommends reservations.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Regular hours Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day
New Years Eve: The restaurant offers a live band, dancing, and a prix fixe surf and turf meal for $42.99 per person. There's also a midnight champagne toast.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Open til 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and reopens on Christmas Day at 4 p.m., and will be open til 1 a.m.
New Years Eve: Regular hours, but there will be a champagne toast at midnight, as well as a DJ.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Open regular hours, with regular offerings, such as the $10 pitcher and $5 "big cup."
New Years Eve: Regular hours and menu, though the staff suggests any of those interested in hosting a party here call and talk to the owner, who may be willing to work out special deals for large crowds.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Hours are limited on Chritmas Eve to 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
New Years Eve: New Years Eve offers one seating from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. In celebration of the new year, Quince is offering a four course course prix fixe menu (including a vegetarian option) at $70 per person. The price includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
The following restaurants don't have holiday events this year, but in many cases have modified holiday hours.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Closed both days, as well as the following Monday
New Years Eve: Regular menu, regular hours
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Regular hours on Christmas Eve, opens at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day
New Years Eve: Regular hours
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Regular hours on Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day
New Years Eve: Regular hours
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Open on Christmas Eve until "around 8 p.m." Closed Christmas Day.
New Years Eve:Open NYE, but like Christmas Eve, with limited hours, closing near 8 p.m.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
New Years Eve:
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Regular hours on 24th, closed Christmas Day
New Years Eve: Regular hours, no specials
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Eve on 4:30- "until at least 7 p.m."
New Years Eve: Regular hours, no specials
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Regular hours both days
New Years Eve: Regular hours, regular menu
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Open on Christmas Eve until 3 p.m.
New Years Eve: Open on NYE until 9 p.m.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Open on Christmas Eve from 4 - 8 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
New Years Eve: Open til 10 p.m.
Closed the 24th through January 2nd
