Holiday season is on the horizon, and Chicago’s North Shore is ready for it! November brings glowing light displays, festive markets, standout performances, and plenty of local flavor — just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect moment to explore, unwind, and enjoy everything the season has to offer.

Antiques + Modernism Show

Through Sunday, November 2

Community House | 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka


Celebrating 53 years, Antiques + Modernism is the ultimate destination for interior designers, treasure hunters, and collectors alike. Ranging in styles from classic to modern, the Show features exquisite home furnishings and accessories, artwork, clothing, jewelry, curated vintage clothing and more, all available for purchase from dealers across the country and abroad.

Peace, Joy, and Shopping on Central

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

ReFashioning History - Family Open House

Saturday, November 8, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Evanston History Center | 225 Greenwood St., Evanston


Step into history in style at the Dawes House! Enjoy a free morning of fashion, fun, and creativity as you explore the reFashioning History exhibit. Dress up in vintage-inspired looks, strike a pose, and get hands-on with crafts including fabric swatch collages and “design-your-own” sketches. Enjoy live piano music, snacks, and more – an unforgettable day of style and history!

Elevate Your Next Meeting — 2026 is Booking Now!

Because every successful event begins with the right partner! Book your next event at the Westin Chicago North Shore.

Holiday Light Shows

Throughout November

Various Locations


Chicago’s North Shore shines brightly this holiday season with spectacular light shows for the entire family! Highlights include the Chicago Botanic Garden’s beloved Lightscape (11/14 – 1/4), the Willow Hills Lights drive-thru experience (11/14 – 1/4), Light the Lights (11/28), and Kohl Children’s Museum’s Kohlights Holiday Lightacular (11/28 – 12/21). Tickets sell out fast!

Central Street Holiday Events

Throughout Central Street, Evanston


Central Street is the place to be as you gear up for the holiday season! Invite your friends and family to the Holiday Stroll (11/15) where you’ll enjoy shopping, dining specials, and other holiday festivities. Later in the month (11/29), it’s Small Business Saturday. You’re sure to find the perfect holiday gift as you shop and support local!

Evanston Made 5th Annual Holiday Pop-up Market!

This year’s market at 1710 Maple Avenue will feature sales of original art, handmade goods and hometown gifts, plus maker events and artist talks. Open 12/3-12/21.

Lincolnwood Turkey Trot

Sunday, November 23

Proesel Park | 6915 Kostner Ave., Lincolnwood


Lace up your running shoes, invite your friends and family, and register for the 49th Annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot! The event features 5K and 10K races, as well as a 5K fitness walk, all of which take participants through scenic Lincolnwood. Younger athletes (6 and under) can participate in the Drumstick Dash.

Kohlights Holiday Lightacular: Step into a World of Wonder!

Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview’s interactive holiday-themed light experience allows children to explore, experiment and let their imaginations shine. Beginning November 28. Tickets on sale now!

Gobble Gobble! Thanksgiving Options for Dining In and Dining Out

Thursday, November 27



Enjoy a hassle-free Thanksgiving with our local restaurants offering delicious holiday menus! Whether you prefer traditional turkey and stuffing or unique seasonal dishes, there's something for everyone. Save time and savor the flavors without the stress of cooking. Make a reservation today or carry out for a delicious Thanksgiving at home!

Northwestern Basketball Season Begins

Welsh-Ryan Arena | 2705 Ashland Ave., Evanston


If you’re a Wildcats fan and love the action of college basketball, then get your tickets and head on over to Welsh-Ryan Arena to see the men’s and women’s teams battle it out. The state-of-the-art Welsh-Ryan Arena is the perfect venue to watch Big Ten basketball!

Chicago Sports Bucket List? We've Got You Covered!

The Chicago Stars are on the North Shore for 2026, and Season Ticket Memberships are now on sale! Visit their website to learn more and for a chance to win tickets to the Stars, Cubs, Sky and more!

Shop the Season! Holiday Markets Have Arrived

Throughout November

Various Locations


Don’t delay! Start your holiday shopping today! There are several holiday markets on the North Shore that will make gift buying a breeze including Holiday Market at the Grove (11/13 – 11/16), Skokie Park District’s Holiday Gift Market (11/15), the Woman’s Club of Evanston Holiday Bazaar (11/21 – 11/23) and Evanston Arts Center Winter Arts and Craft Expo (11/22 – 12/20).

Experience the Wonder of Wilmette This Holiday Season

Visit the North Shore’s hot spot this holiday season sparkling with shopping, dining & events.

Must See Performances

Various Dates in November

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts | 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie


If you’re looking to be entertained, you won’t have to look far! The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts has something for everyone including Music Theater Work’s award-winning production of Godspell (through 11/16), Northlight Theatre's Gaslight (opening 11/28), Jay White – The Sweet Caroline Tour (11/1), Hot Tuna (11/5), A Tribute to Mad Dogs & Englishmen (Joe Cocker and Leon Russell ) (11/8), Sleeping Beauty by International Ballet Stars (11/9), Will Downing (11/14), A Tribute to The Last Waltz (11/22) and One Night in Memphis (11/23).

Plunkett Interiors Anniversary Sale Going On NOW!

Save on fine furnishings from top luxury brands. Their expert design team is here to help you with offerings of over 200+ brands of fine furnishings, custom upholstery, rugs, window treatments, accessories, artwork, lighting and more. Their showroom is located at 80 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka.  (847) 906-1000.

Curious George: Let's Get Curious

Now through January 4, 2026

Kohl Children's Museum | 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview


Explore life in the city, on the farm, and in space with Curious George and his friends! Just like Curious George, children are incredibly curious – and curiosity fuels discovery. This engaging exhibit introduces children to key concepts in science, math and engineering in a way that is fun for kids and accessible to parents, caregivers, and educators.

An Unforgettable Night of Dance Awaits

Experience The Show — Ovation’s premier live performance featuring our artists: Derek & Julianne Hough, Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson as well as special guest appearances. December 5 at The Westin Chicago North Shore

Downtown Evanston Farmers Market

THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2025

Intersection of University Pl. and Oak Ave., Downtown Evanston

Wilmette French Market

THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2025

Just East of the Wilmette Metra Station, Wilmette

Antiques + Modernism Show

THROUGH NOVEMBER 2, 2025

Winnetka Community House, Winentka

Skokie Farmers Market

THROUGH NOVEMBER 2, 2025

Parking Lot, Northwest Corner of Oakton St. & Floral Ave., Skokie

Gaslight (Angel Street)

THROUGH NOVEMBER 2, 2025

Oil Lamp Theater, Glenview

Imagine U: Doctor de Soto

THROUGH NOVEMBER 2, 2025

Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, Northwestern University, Evanston

Scream Scene Haunted House

THROUGH NOVEMBER 8, 2025

Skokie Water Playground, Skokie

Music Theater Works presents Godspell

THROUGH NOVEMBER 16, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Evanston Made First Saturdays Evanston Art Events

NOVEMBER 1, 2025

Various Locations, Downtown Evanston

The Sweet Caroline Tour with Jay White

NOVEMBER 1, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Colin Hay

NOVEMBER 1, 2025

Evanston SPACE at Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University, Evanston

Barabuum

NOVEMBER 2, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Northwestern University Men's Basketball vs Mercyhurst

NOVEMBER 3, 2025

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

Evanston Folk Festival Presents: Mark Dvorak and Andy Cohen

NOVEMBER 4, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Hot Tuna

NOVEMBER 5, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Colognole Vineyards Chianti Wine Dinner

NOVEMBER 6, 2025

Cafe Lucci, Glenview

Craig Ferguson - Pants on Fire

NOVEMBER 6, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Rock the House

NOVEMBER 7, 2025

Community House Winnetka

Give 'em Hell Harry

NOVEMBER 7, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Northwestern University Men's Basketball vs. Boston University

NOVEMBER 7, 2025

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

Deathtrap - A Mystery by Ira Levin

NOVEMBER 7-23, 2025

Skokie Theatre, Skokie

Urinetown

NOVEMBER 7, 2025 - DECEMBER 21, 2025

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Evanston

ReFashioning History - Family Open House

NOVEMBER 8, 2025

Evanston History Center, Evanston

Rachael & Vilray 2025 Tour

NOVEMBER 8, 2025

Evanston SPACE at Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University, Evanston

Mad Dogs & Englishmen - Joe Cocker and Leon Russell Tribute

NOVEMBER 8, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Taste of Glenview

NOVEMBER 8, 2025

Glenview Park Center, Glenview

Ouilmette Documentary

NOVEMBER 9, 2025

Wilmette Historical Museum, Wilmette

The Sleeping Beauty by International Ballet Stars

NOVEMBER 9, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Northwestern University Men's Basketball vs Cleveland State

NOVEMBER 10, 2025

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

Caitlin Canty: album release show “Night Owl Envies the Morning Dove”

NOVEMBER 12, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

John Scofield

NOVEMBER 12, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead

NOVEMBER 13, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

The Grove Holiday Market

NOVEMBER 13-16, 2025

The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview

Will Downing

NOVEMBER 14, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Willie Watson

NOVEMBER 14, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

The Addams Family - A New Musical Comedy

NOVEMBER 14-23, 2025

Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, Northwestern University, Evanston

Lightscape

NOVEMBER 14, 2025 - JANUARY 4, 2025

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Willow Hill Lights

NOVEMBER 14, 2025 - JANUARY 4, 2025

Willow Hill Golf Course, Northbrook

Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes with Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hustle

NOVEMBER 15, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Northwestern University Football vs. Michigan

NOVEMBER 15, 2025

Wrigley Field, Chicago

Skokie Park District's Holiday Gift Market

NOVEMBER 15, 2025

Oakton Community Center, Skokie

Naturally 7

NOVEMBER 16, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Kruger Brothers

NOVEMBER 20, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

NOVEMBER 20, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

NOVEMBER 20, 2025 - DECEMBER 28, 2025

Oil Lamp Theater, Glenview

Glencoe Turkey Chase

NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Takiff Center, Glencoe Park District, Glencoe

Danila Kozlovsky in "Frank" - In Russian

NOVEMBER 21, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

MFA Collaboration Series: Among the Dead

NOVEMBER 21-23, 2025

Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, Northwestern University, Evanston

23rd Annual Winter Arts & Crafts Expo

NOVEMBER 21, 2025 - DECEMBER 20, 2025

Evanston Art Center, Evanston

A Tribute to The Last Waltz

NOVEMBER 22, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Will Hoge

NOVEMBER 22, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Northwestern University Football vs. Minnesota

NOVEMBER 22, 2025

Wrigley Field, Chicago

Holiday Bazaar

NOVEMBER 22-23, 2025

Woman's Club of Evanston, Evanston

One Night in Memphis

NOVEMBER 23, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Lincolnwood 49th Annual Turkey Trot

NOVEMBER 23, 2025

Proesel Park, Lincolnwood

Expo ’76 and the Total Pro Horns: Record Release Party for “Hot in the Dark”

NOVEMBER 23, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Glenview Gobbler 5k Run, Walk and Dash

NOVEMBER 27, 2025

Jackman Park, Glenview

Glenview Kids Gobbler 50 Yard Dash

NOVEMBER 27, 2025

Jackman Park, Glenview

Evanston Flying Turkey 5k Run

NOVEMBER 27, 2025

Corner of Sheridan Rd. & Church St., Lakefront, Evanston

Brooklyn Charmers: Steely Dan Tribute

NOVEMBER 28, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Light The Lights

NOVEMBER 28, 2025

Wyman Green, Downtown Glencoe

The Kohlights Holiday Lightacular!

NOVEMBER 28, 2025 - DECEMBER 21, 2025

Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview

Santa Photos in the Candy Cane Station

NOVEMBER 28, 2025 - DECEMBER 24, 2025

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Gaslight

NOVEMBER 28, 2025 - DECEMBER 28, 2025

Northlight Theatre, Skokie

Jim Brickman Live! The Gift of Christmas

NOVEMBER 29, 2025

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Susan Werner

NOVEMBER 29, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Holiday in the Park and Parade

NOVEMBER 29, 2025

Jackman Park, Glenview

Illuminate the Orchard

NOVEMBER 29, 2025

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Downtown Evanston Small Business Saturday

NOVEMBER 29, 2025

Various Locations, Downtown Evanston

Game of Gnomes

NOVEMBER 29, 2025 - DECEMBER 27, 2025

Various Locations, Wilmette

Will Blades & Friends ft. Teddy Campbell & Kellen Boersma

NOVEMBER 30, 2025

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

As You Like It

THROUGH DECEMBER 14, 2025

Writers Theatre, Glencoe

Pouring, Spilling, Bleeding: Helen Frankenthaler and Artists’ Experiments on Paper

THROUGH DECEMBER 14, 2025

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Evanston

The Block Collects 2025

THROUGH DECEMBER 14, 2025

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Evanston

Living Stories Contemporary Woodland Native American Art

THROUGH JANUARY 1, 2026

Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, Evanston


Curious George: Let's Get Curious

THROUGH JANUARY 4, 2026

Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview


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