Ring in the New Year in Downtown Evanston at one of your favorite local downtown restaurants! From prix fixe dinners to cozy neighborhood favorites, these local spots are offering something special to help you welcome 2026 in style.
- Alcove Evanston | 1625 Maple Ave.
Celebrate with an elevated three-course, chef-crafted tasting menu. Reservations are available from 4–10:30PM for $90 per person—perfect for a refined New Year’s Eve night out.
- The Barn Steakhouse | 1016 Church St. (rear)
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a lively gathering with friends, The Barn Steakhouse offers a warm, celebratory setting to toast the new year.
- Bennison's Bakery | 1000 Davis St.
Pre-order your New Year's treats including Gallette des Rois, New Year's cookies and cupcakes, petit fors, French silk pie and more! Open on December 31 from 7AM to 1PM.
- Evanston Corner Bistro | 703 Church St.
Toast the new year with a three-course prix fixe menu and a complimentary Champagne toast, available from 5–10PM. A classic and festive way to celebrate.
- Blue Horse Tavern | 1026 Davis St.
A welcoming spot for friends and family, Blue Horse Tavern is ideal for a cozy New Year’s Eve meal with options for everyone.
- LeTour Evanston | 625 Davis St.
- Enjoy a festive New Year’s Eve dinner featuring special additions to LeTour’s regular menu, including standout dishes like sea scallops, roasted branzino, braised short rib, and a rich chocolate torte.
- Nakorn Kitchen | 1622 Orrington Ave.
Ring in the new year with special festive dishes alongside the Thai favorites you know and love at Nakorn Kitchen.
- Patisserie Coralie | 600 Davis St.
Extend the celebration with an elegant Holiday High Tea, featuring finger sandwiches and gourmet savory bites. Available weekdays now through January 4 and on Saturdays and Sundays at after January 4.
- Prairie Moon | 1635 Chicago Ave.
Celebrate with a special NYE menu or choose from Prairie Moon’s regular offerings. With the kitchen open until 11PM, it’s a great place to keep the celebration going.
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Join First Night Evanston on December 31 at 8PM for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration of music, magic, and community at the beautiful Music Institute of Chicago (Nichols Hall), 1490 Chicago Ave. Doors open at 7PM!
Don’t miss Chip Covington and Crew bringing banjos, guitars, and all the good vibes. Back by popular demand: Chris Carter The Mentalist kicks off the night with mind-bending perceptions — ask anyone who saw last year’s 8:58pm moment! And of course, beloved headliner Corky Siegel returns to close out the night in true First Night style. Get your tickets now!
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- DECEMBER 26-31
Evanston Public Library "Anytime" Winter Events
Stop by EPL's Main Library during to enjoy the following December "anytime" offerings for kids: Short & Sweet Candle Craft kit, Yeti Scavenger Hunt and Guessing Jar. Plus, ask about the Noon Year's Eve and Golden Hour Karaoke events on December 31.
- DECEMBER
Grateful Yoga Holiday Workshops
- Dec. 28, 3-3:45 & 4:15-5PM: Family Yoga
- Dec. 31, 2:30-5PM: Yoga for a New Year (in-studio or via zoom)
- DECEMBER 26, 6PM
City of Evanston Kwanzaa Celebration at Robert Crown
Celebrate a Youthful Kwanzaa with Community African Drum Circle, dance performances and Kwanzaa ceremony along with food vendors, face painting and games.
- DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 2
One River School Hosts Winter Camps
Keep your kids busy over winter break with a creative camp like Digital Art Trends, One Drawing a Day, Storybook Art and more! Camps available for all ages!
- DECEMBER 30, 3PM
Rob Miller & Rhett Miller Talk Blooodshot Records
Bookends & Beginnings is partnering SPACE to present an afternoon with Rob Miller in conversation with Rhett Miller about Rob's new book, The Hours Are Long but the Pay is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music. Free but please RSVP.
- DECEMBER 31, 1PM & 3PM
Patisserie Coralie Holiday High Tea
Treat yourself and family or friends to a high tea with finger sandwiches and gourmet savory bites and BYOB Champagne if you'd like!
- DECEMBER 31, 2-5PM
Grove Gallery Hosts Small Works Closing Party
Ring in the New Year with art, conversation and community at the Small Works Show Closing Party.
- NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 15
Wheel & Sprocket Winter Service Special
Get your bike riding like new again during Wheel & Sprocket's once a year Winter Service Specials: $100 OFF Premium Service Package. $50 OFF Annual+ Service Package. $50 OFF Annual Service Package
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As a reminder, when you are shopping and dining at your local businesses you can enjoy 2 free hours of street parking every day through January 1, 2026! Download the Park Evanston app and enter the code “Holiday2025” to receive free parking for up to two hours during the holiday season. This offer is valid for Park Evanston app users once per day per account/license plate. |
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It’s never too early to start planning for 2026! Join us throughout the year for fun, family-friendly annual events in Downtown Evanston. While a few events have a modest ticket price, most are free and open to all. And be sure to follow this link to learn more about sponsorship opportunities supporting Downtown Evanston’s 2026 programming.
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