December 2023

Happy Holidays! Welcome to the most festive time of year on Chicago's North Shore. From mesmerizing light shows to Santa visits and holiday performances, there's something for everyone. Discover all that December has in store, click here.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition

Fri., Dec. 1 – Sun., March 31

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Experience the history, the fashion and the house! Based on the beloved television show, this limited-time exhibit transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house come to life. You’ll be immersed in the fascinating social history, culture, and some of the most memorable moments from the show’s six-season run.

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SPONSORED

Enjoy the Magic of the Season at Downtown Evanston's Holiday Light Celebration

Get ready for a jolly good time as we kick off the holiday festivities at the annual Holiday Light Celebration on December 2! Join us for a joyous evening filled with holiday and the enchanting glow of twinkling lights.

Holiday Light Shows

Chicago’s North Shore shines bright this holiday season with spectacular light shows for the entire family! Highlights include the drive-thru holiday light spectacular, Willow Hills Lights, in Northbrook, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s beloved Lightscape, and Kohl Children’s Museum’s Kohlights: A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular. Get your tickets today!  

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SPONSORED

Happy Holiday Shopping 

Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Southeast Evanston! Find the perfect gift while enjoying warm beverages, living windows, decorated trees, raffle drawings and more. 

Evanston Made Holiday Pop-up

Fri., Dec. 1 – Sun., Dec. 17

1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston

Evanston Made is bringing back its popular Holiday Market featuring a broad range of Evanston artists, jewelry, knitwear, paintings, pottery, and more. Artists and demonstrations also! Free downtown parking for two hours through January 1 using the Evanston Parking app.  

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SPONSORED

Peace, Love & Light on Central Street

Light the way to your holidays on Central Street. Visit us for a joyous season of holiday cheer and local shopping and dining.

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Fun!

Visits with Santa, holiday performances, tree lightings, light shows, a holiday cookie walk, a reindeer happy hour, skating with santa, shopping events, and so much more – it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit on Chicago’s North Shore! There’s so much to do and see. Start planning today!

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SPONSORED

Westin Chicago North Shore

Host your next event at the Westin Chicago North Shore. Call (847) 777-6560 to schedule a tour today.

Live Entertainment!

From critically acclaimed dramas and a variety of live music to holiday concerts and family-friendly theater productions, there’s a performance for everyone! December highlights include Livingston Taylor & Karla Bonoff (12/6), Tammy McCann: A Jazz Christmas (12/16) and Shrek: The Musical (12/21 – 12/31). 

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SPONSORED

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition at Westfield Old Orchard

Tickets on sale. Sellouts expected advance purchase is recommended. 

All Aboard Santa’s Trolley!

Now through Sun., Dec. 24

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Is Santa ready for Christmas? Come get a checklist to inspect Santa’s trolley to make sure everything is ready for the big day! When you’re finished, show Santa your checklist to get a special thank you. Reservations are required and include private access onto Santa's trolley along with multiple self-serve photo moments. 

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SPONSORED

Starved Rock Cabinetry

Wood. Working. Beautifully. Personalized, precision-crafted custom cabinetry that exceeds your expectations and fits your budget.

Northwestern Gets Approval to Rebuild Ryan Field

The Evanston City Council voted in favor of Northwestern’s proposal to rebuild Ryan Field. The council also approved the rezoning application that would allow six concerts a year and other community-oriented events at the new venue. The project’s approval comes after extensive dialogue with community members, reflecting Northwestern’s commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of Evanston residents.

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MORE DECEMBER HAPPENINGS!

For One and All: Prints from The Block’s Collection

Through December 3, 2023

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Evanston

Rosalie Favell - Facing the Camera

Through December 3, 2023

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Evanston

Kohlights: A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular!

Through December 16, 2023

Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview

Assassins

Through December 17, 2023

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Evanston

21st Annual Winter Expo

Through December 20, 2023

Evanston Art Center, Evanston

Abt Meet Santa Events

Through December 23, 2023

Abt Electronics, Glenview

Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol

Through December 24, 2023

Writers Theatre, Glencoe

Game of Gnomes

Through December 24, 2023

Downtown Wilmette & Plaza del Lago, Wilmette

Santa's Trolley at Westfield Old Orchard

Through December 24, 2023

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

The Gift of the Magi

Through December 30, 2023

Oil Lamp Theater, Glenview

No Rest: The Epidemic of Stolen Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2Spirits

Through December 31, 2024

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Evanston

Willow Hills Lights

Through January 6, 2024

Willow Hill Golf Course, Northbrook

Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape

Through January 7, 2024

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Dial M for Murder

Through January 7, 2024

Northlight Theatre, Skokie

Downton Abbey - The Exhibition Limited Engagement

Through March 31, 2024

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie


“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli

Through April 14, 2023

Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie

Evanston Space Presents Mavis Staples - A Concert for Justice

December 1, 2023

Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University, Evanston

Nora O'Connor w/ Sara Jean Stevens

December 1, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Northwestern University Men's Basketball vs Purdue

December 1, 2023

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

Winnetka Tree Lighting

December 1, 2023

Dwyer Park, Winnetka

Evanston Made Holiday Pop-Up Market

December 1-17, 2023

Downtown Evanston

Evanston Made - First Saturdays Evanston Art Events

December 2, 2023

Various Locations, Downtown Evanston

Northbrook Breakfast or Lunch with Santa

December 2, 2023

Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Northbrook

Winnetka's Alvin the Elf's Winter Carnival

December 2, 2023

The Skokie School, Skokie

Art Talks! - Indigenous Artists Facing the Camera

December 2, 2023

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Evanston

Wilmette Holiday Happenings

December 2, 2023

Downtown Wilmette

Downtown Evanston Holiday Tree Lighting

December 2, 2023

Fountain Square, Downtown Evanston

1st Annual Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk

December 2, 2023

Downtown Skokie

Convito Cafe & Market's Character Breakfast

December 2, 2023

Convito Cafe & Market, Wilmette

Winter Wanderland 2023

December 2, 2023

Winnetka Community House, Winnetka

Will's Place Holiday Makers Market

December 2-3, 2023

Will's Place, Skokie

The Glen Town Center Strolling Santa

December 2-16, 2023

The Glen Town Center, Glenview

Skokie Holiday Giftorium

December 2-23, 2023

4853 Oakton St., Skokie

Leo Kottke

December 3, 2023

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Brendan James

December 3, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Holiday Craft Fair

December 3, 2023

Sketchbook Brewing Co., Skokie

Evanston Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert

December 3, 2023

Evanston Township High School, Evanston

Red Invitation Sale

December 3, 2023

Winnetka, Northfield & Glencoe

The Glen Club Brunch with Santa

December 3-17, 2023

The Glen Club, Glenview

Robert Glasper

December 4-5, 2023

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Aboyer Holiday Cigar Dinner

December 5, 2023

Aboyer, Winnetka

Winter Crafts & Cocktails

December 6, 2023

Take Flight Spirits, Skokie

Livingston Taylor & Karla Bonoff

December 6, 2023

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Sparkling Wine from Around the World and Their Cheese Match Made in Heaven

December 7, 2023

The Wine Goddess, Evanston

NRBQ

December 7, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Jake Shimabukuro - Holidays in Hawai'i

December 7, 2023

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Reindeer Happy Hour

December 7, 2023

Chalet Nursery, Wilmette

Making the Movie Home Alone & Trivia Too

December 7, 2023

Winnetka Community House, Winnetka

MDM Hometown Holiday Celebration & Stroll

December 7, 2023

Main-Dempster Mile, Evanston

Stephen Kellogg presents the Sit Down & Stand-Up Tour

December 8, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Preservation Hall Jazz Band Creole Christmas

December 8, 2023

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Evanston Children's Choir 2023 Holiday Concert

December 8, 2023

Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston

Skokie Breakfast with Santa

December 9, 2023

Oakton Community Center, Skokie

Ana Gasteyer - Sugar & Booze - SOLD OUT

December 9, 2023

SPACE, Evanston


"Duke it out!" Nutcracker

December 9, 2023

Music Institute of Chicago - Nichols Concert Hall, Evanston

First Ever Ugliest Sweater Party and Contest

December 9, 2023

Valley Lodge Tavern, Wilmette

Gingerbread Jubilee at Historic Wagner Farm

December 9, 2023

Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview

The Grove Christmas Candlelight Tours

December 9, 2023

The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview

Circus in Progress - An Evening of Daring New Work

December 9, 2023

Actors Gymnasium, Evanston

Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four in Joy to the World

December 9, 2023

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Rollover at Ten Ninety Brewing Co.

December 9, 2023

Ten Ninety Brewing Co., Glenview

2023 Winter Market

December 9-10, 2023

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Evanston

Saranello's Brunch with Santa

December 9-24, 2023

Saranello's Ristorante Italiano, Wheeling

Historic Wagner Farm Wagon Rides & S'mores

December 9, 2023 - February 17, 2024

Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview

Mike Zito

December 10, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Northwestern University Men's Basketball vs Detroit Mercy

December 10, 2023

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

Festive Farmhouse at Historic Wagner Farm

December 10, 2023

Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview

The Grove Log Cabin Christmas

December 10, 2023

The Grove Log Cabin, Glenview

Space & Union Pizzeria Holiday Jamboree

December 10, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Shtetl in the Sun Andy Sweet’s South Beach 1977-1980

December 10, 2023 - October 13, 2024

Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie

Hagafen Cellars Reserve Wine Dinner

December 12, 2023

Nuovo Chicago, Lincolnwood


Men's Basketball Northwestern University vs. Chicago State

December 13, 2023

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

Sparkling Wine from Around the World and Their Cheese Match Made in Heaven

December 14, 2023

The Wine Goddess, Evanston

Ruen Brothers

December 14, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Evanston Warm Bevvy Walk

December 14, 2023

Downtown Evanston & Main-Dempster Mile, Evanston

Reindeer Happy Hour

December 14, 2023

Chalet Nursery, Wilmette

Double Clutch Polka Christmas Party

December 14, 2023

Double Clutch Brewing Co., Evanston

Crafts & Cocktails

December 14, 2023

Take Flight Spirits, Skokie

Dan Rodriquez: All I Want For Christmas is Whiskey Tour

December 15, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Palmhouse Presents: !Ex-Maquina! & Higgs Boson Experience

December 15, 2023

Palmhouse, Evanston

Winter Breakaway

December 15, 2023 - January 7, 2024

Community Ice Center, Glenview Park District, Glenview

Glencoe Visit with Santa

December 16, 2023

Weinberg Family Recreation Center, Glencoe

Tammy McCann: A Jazz Christmas

December 16, 2023

Music Institute of Chicago - Nichols Concert Hall, Evanston

Winnetka Winter Express

December 16, 2023

Winnetka Golf Club, Winnetka

Fonda Hot Cocoa & Cookies with Santa

December 16, 2023

Fonda Cantina, Evanston

Vienna Teng

December 16, 2023

SPACE, Evanston


Music of the Baroque: Holiday Brass and Choral

December 16, 2023

Saints Faith Hope and Charity Church, Winnetka

Wassailing at Wagner

December 16, 2023

Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview

Holiday Tea

December 16, 2023

The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview

District Brew Yards Santa Visits

December 16-17, 2023

District Brew Yards, Wheeling

Palmhouse Holiday Market

December 16-17, 2023

Palmhouse, Evanston

Skokie Ugly Sweater Skate

December 17, 2023

Skatium Ice Arena, Skokie

Music of the Baroque: Holiday Brass and Choral

December 17, 2023

Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston

Restoration Work Days

December 17, 2023

The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview

Glencoe Winter Solstice Parade of Lights

December 21, 2023

Shelton Park, Glencoe

Joel Paterson Presents a Hi-Fi Christmas

December 21, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Sons of the Never Wrong: Holiday Show w/John EricksonTrio

December 22, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Sons of the Never Wrong: Holiday Show w/John EricksonTrio

December 22, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Frank Orall and Charlotte Wortham

December 23, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Wilmette Skate with Santa

December 24, 2023

Centennial Ice Rink, Wilmette

Northwestern University Men's Basketball vs Jackson State

December 29, 2023

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

The Barefoot Movement Holiday Show

December 29, 2023

SPACE, Evanston

Illinois Holocaust Museum Free Friday

December 29, 2023

Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie

Noon Year's Eve Party

December 31, 2023

Glenview Park Center, Glenview

Square Dance into the New Year

December 31, 2023

Program Barn, The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview

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