Evanston Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Evanston and surrounding areas
Evanston embraces the festive season in 2025 with Holiday lights and things to do centered in downtown and along the lakefront near Fountain Square. The Downtown Evanston Holiday Tree Lighting, Evanston Holiday Bazaar and the Evanston Art Center Winter Arts & Crafts Expo invite families to enjoy seasonal markets, guided festive tours, sparkling lights and community holiday activities that make the neighborhood glow.
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Christmas Markets
28 eventsOver 150 artisans with handmade jewelry, ceramics, and mixed-media.
Christmas Shows
17 eventsMariah Carey's "Christmas Time" concert tour
Christmas Lights
15 eventsChicago's largest indoor winter festival
Christmas Parties
11 eventsHigh-energy live music and NYE countdown party
Christmas Activities
29 eventsChicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Editor's Picks (6)
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Howl at the Moon New Year's Eve Celebration
(Chicago)
High-energy live music and NYE countdown party
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Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
(Chicago)
Chicago's largest indoor winter festival
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'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
(Chicago)
Cirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
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City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
(Chicago)
Chicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
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ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd
(Chicago)
Millions of lights illuminating a beloved zoo setting.
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ZooLights
(Chicago)
Millions of lights in a beloved urban zoo setting
Events Happening Soon (6)
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in Evanston
- Santa Claus Visits Evanston This Holiday Season Published: Tue, Dec 2, 2025
- 65th Annual Holiday Faire in Evanston Published: Sat, Nov 29, 2025
Evanston Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Evanston
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Evanston!
Evanston Christmas FAQ
The Downtown Evanston Holiday Light Celebration and the Holiday Bazaar at The Woman's Club of Evanston are among the biggest annual events, drawing families and visitors for festive shopping, lights, and community fun.
Evanston celebrates with unique traditions like the Great Elf Hunt, where elves are hidden around community centers and parks, encouraging families to explore and engage with the city during the holidays.
Downtown Evanston, especially around Fountain Square, and several residential neighborhoods known for their festive decorations offer some of the best Christmas light displays in the city.
Local makers and Christmas markets can be found at venues like The Woman's Club of Evanston and Art Makers Outpost, which host seasonal artisan markets showcasing handmade gifts and crafts.
Free activities include attending the Downtown Holiday Light Celebration, exploring neighborhood light displays, and participating in community events like the Great Elf Hunt and holiday tree lightings.
Families can enjoy events like the Holiday Bazaar, the Handmade Holiday Marketplace with craft stations, the Great Elf Hunt, and the Evanston Symphony Holiday Concert featuring visits from Santa and his elves.