Evanston Tree Lighting 2016: Everything You Need to Know

EVANSTON, IL - Downtown Evanston will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 9 at Fountain Square. The night is ripe with celebration plans. Here's what is planned for the official holiday kickoff in the city of Evanston.

4:45 p.m. - Concert by the Evanston Children's Choir

5 p.m. - Santa and Mrs. Claus will be welcomed as they come down Sherman Avenue in an Evanston fire truck

5:30 p.m. - The countdown to flip the switch that lights up the tree in Fountain Square begins. WaaMu, Northwestern's oldest musical theatre production, will perform.

Clark the Cub and Southpaw - the mascot of the Chicago White Sox - plan to be there and make an appearance at this time.

6 p.m. - Santa will visit with children at The Merion, 1611 Chicago Ave. Mrs. Clause will be at The Spice & Tea Exchange, 1615 Sherman Ave.

Warm up at right at the Square

Major event sponsor North Shore University Health System will provide hot cocoa to attendees at Fountain Square.

Local businesses participating

Lumen Optical (809 Church St.), Ayla’s Originals (1511 Sherman Ave.), Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. (1615 Oak Ave.), Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston (1501 Sherman Ave.) and Andy’s Frozen Custard (719 Church St.) will also have hot coca and provide special treats during the event, set to conclude around 7:30 p.m.

Donation opportunity

Donations of warm clothing essentials like coats, socks, gloves and hats will be accepted between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at The Merion, Epic Burger and The Spice & Tea Exchange. The donations will be sent to Connections for the Homeless.

Celebration continues

Southpaw and Skates - the mascot of the Chicago Wolves - will continue the celebration less than a block down from Fountain Square at Epic Burger, 1622 Sherman Ave. Epic Burger will have complimentary grilled cheese bites and tasters of their peppermint milkshakes.

Where to Park

Park for free at downtown parking garages at Sherman Plaza, Maple Avenue and Church Street. Parking is free here throughout the holiday season from 5 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Take the train

The celebration will take place just blocks from the Davis Street Metra and CTA stops.

Patch file photo