2017 Downtown Evanston Holiday Tree Lighting

EVANSTON, IL — Celebrate the season at Evanston's annual downtown Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday at Church Street Plaza. Construction at Fountain Square has moved this year's celebration is set to begin at 5 p.m. on the corner of Church Street and Maple Avenue.

Festivities will begin with a performance from the Evanston Children's Choir. At 5:30 p.m. Mayor Steve Hagerty will flip the switch to light up the holiday tree before a performance from Evanston Own It.

Families on hand will also be treated to hot chocolate, caroling and a special sing-along surprise, according to an announcement of the event from Downtown Evanston.

Prior to the evening's tree lighting, children can write letters to Santa and enjoy cookies at Lumen Optical, 809 Church St.

Then, after the lighting, members of the community are invited to take photos with Santa at The Crystal Ballroom & Lounge, 529 Davis St., and with Mrs. Claus at the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston, 1818 Maple Ave.

Even though this year's event has been moved, a permanent tree has been planted in the south plaza of Fountain Square for future celebrations.

» via Downtown Evanston

_{Approximate location of 2017 Evanston Holiday Tree Lighting (Google Maps)}

_{Top photo via the City of Evanston}