Holiday Stroll
& Tree Lighting
Annual Holiday Stroll &
Tree Lighting
Get into the holiday spirit early at one of our most memorable events of the year! Join us Saturday, November 14, for the annual Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting. Central Street officially kicks off the holiday season with a day of shopping local, dining, special promotions, holiday festivities, trolley rides, live entertainment, and more.
Holiday tree lighting ceremony 5 - 5:30ish PM in Independence Park, 2627 Stewart Avenue: Santa countdown, mini children’s choir from the Music Conservatory of Illinois, The Frozen Robins Carolers, holiday mimes, Rhinemaidens Alphorn Duo.
*4:30 - 5:30 PM: Stop by Foodstuffs at 2106 Central St. and fuel up on hot cocoa and cookies for sale before the tree lighting!
STROLLING ENTERTAINMENT STARTS AT 2:30 PM:
Holiday entertainment strolls throughout the district in and out of shops and along the sidewalk. All performers gather in the park at 5 PM for the tree lighting ceremony.
- 2:30 - 4:30 PM: Holiday Trolley (Link to Schedule)
- 2:30 - 6 PM: Santa (Check back for official schedule)
- 3 - 5 PM: The Rhinemaidens Alphorn Duo
*Starting location 1936 Central Street
- 2:30 - 5:30: Holiday Mimes - @timthemime & @serious__tyler
- 3 - 6:30 PM: The Frozen Robins Carolers
November 14, 2026
Interested in being an event sponsor? Please email Angela Shaffer at: angela@centralstreet-evanston.com.
FREE PARKING! Ryan Field West Parking Lot at Ashland Avenue and Central Street. Link to parking information.
FREE PARKING! Chase Bank parking lot AFTER 2 PM. Link to parking map. Address: 1900 Central Street.
SPONSOR
HOLIDAY PROMOTIONS
The following businesses are offering a special promotion on Saturday, November 14:
The Alchemist’s Wife & Follow Your Nose Pets | 2016 Central St.
Come take a selfie pet photo with Santa!
Alicia Mohr | 2014 Central St.
Take 20% off select items on Saturday!
Foodstuffs | 2106 Central St.
Selling hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies outside from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, starting before the tree lighting.
Gracies | 1939 Central St.
TBA
Heroines & Heroes | 2026 Central St.
TBA
Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony | 1901 Central St.
TBA
Myrtle Bowie | 1911 Central St.
The lampshade trunk show returns, from 11 AM - 4 PM with Colleen from @oneshadybusiness! Enjoy a day dedicated to custom lamps and handmade lampshades. Attendees can bring in their own lamp to get a custom-fitted shade made on-site or shop the collection available in the store.
Notice | 2112 Central St.
Holiday Open House from 10 AM - 5 PM. Enjoy holiday shopping, treats, and a collection of delightfully ugly Christmas sweaters :-)
Sew on Central | 1937 Central St.
15% off all fabrics. *In-store only.
Stella | 2116 Central St.
Holiday Open House: Stop by for goodies and shopping specials.
Velvet Stitch House | 2114 Central St.
Mini-makers market in-store with a few pop up vendors from 11 AM - 3 PM on Saturday.
YWCA Shop for Good | 2122 Central St.
25% off pants, skirts, and jeans!