The staff of Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau wishes you and your families a very safe, happy and healthy holiday season. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to work with all of you throughout the past year and we are looking forward to bringing even more visitors to our beautiful region in 2006.
Happy Holidays!
Gina Speckman, Executive Director
Kimberly Wright, Director of Sales
Jennifer Williams, Sales Manager
Johnnice Chew, Office Manager
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A new four-color brochure touting the merchants in downtown Wilmette is now available. This brochure is a helpful guide to the unique shops of Wilmette's Village Center. Well illustrated and informative, it will assist visitors to the village in finding sources for entertaining, gifts, clothing, items for the home, glassware, flowers, chocolate, jewelry, antiques, holiday decorations, hair salons and many other services. It also features restaurants, coffee houses, cafes and dining options. Copies of the brochure are available at the CNSCVB brochure racks at Westfield Old Orchard or pick one up during your downtown Wilmette visit at Raven & Dove Antiques and Gifts, 1143 Greenleaf Ave.
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Now through January 1, 2006
Getting around downtown Evanston this holiday season will be even more convenient and affordable, thanks to free trolley rides! Sponsored by Sherman Plaza Partners, developer of Sherman Plaza on the corner of Sherman and Davis, the free holiday trolley service runs through January 1. Be sure to watch for A-Frame signs that designate specific trolley stops. Click here for specific hours and locations.
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December 7, 2005 - January 8, 2006
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
9501 Skokie, Blvd., Skokie
Enjoy the music of the enchanting Noel Coward in an exhilarating evening of song and sparkling repartee. A contemporary of Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers, Coward's lyrics are witty, his ballads bittersweet and his melodies contagious. With music hall energy and cabaret class, Coward's work stands the test of time. Add a charming cast and nimble choreography, and in the words of the man himself, "You'll smile a little while" throughout this delightful revue. Carl Danielson, star of 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, returns to Northlight for another virtuoso musical turn. For more information, call 847-673-6300 or buy tickets online at www.northlight.org.
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Northwestern Wildcats vs. Delaware State
Saturday, December 3 - 8:00 p.m.
Welsh-Ryan Arena
2705 Ashland, Evanston
Northwestern University's basketball season is in full swing with the Wildcats playing 28 regular-season games including 14 home games at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Be part of the action as senior Vedran Vukusic, a third-team All-Big Ten selection from 2004-05, leads the team as one of the 'Cats' top returning players. In addition to playing Delaware State at home on December 3, the Wildcats will be playing at Welsh-Ryan Arena on December 14 (vs. Illinois-Chicago) and December 23 (vs. DePauw). For more information, call the Northwestern ticket office at 847-491-2287 or visit www.nusports.com.
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 Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie
Westfield Old Orchard has a variety of holiday events planned for kids of all ages! Stop by the Food Court on Saturday, December 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and get your picture taken with Santa Claus. You'll also receive a free goody bag. On Saturday, December 10 from noon to 3:00 p.m., you'll see Santa and his magical elf strolling throughout the entire center distributing special treats for children. On Saturday, December 17 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. it's breakfast and pictures with Santa in the Food Court! For more information about these and other holiday events at Westfield Old Orchard, call Concierge Services at 847-673-6800 or visit the Concierge Center in the Old Orchard Food Court.
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Northbrook Court, Northbrook
Breakfast with Santa at The Palm
Bring the entire family to a memorable holiday event at The Palm restaurant on Saturday, December 3 for breakfast with Santa! A wonderful buffet has been planned including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, Danish, cold cereal, juices and more. The brunch takes place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and is $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. Seating is limited and reservations are required. For more information, call 847-239-7256. Also, through December 24th, Santa will be by Neiman Marcus - Lower Level for picture taking. Hours vary. Please call Guest Services for more information 847-205-3333.
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Sunday, December 11 (1:00 - 4:00 p.m.)
Dawes House
225 Greenwood Street, Evanston
World War I Brigadier General Charles Gates Dawes, or his portrayer, will be on hand at the Evanston Historical Society's annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 11, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The afternoon includes seasonal music, hot cider and period refreshments and crafts for kids. Come learn how Americans decorated Christmas trees in this era, and then take a stroll through the Dawes House to see decorations recreating the lavish holiday customs of three different historical eras. Admission (as well as most activities) is free to this family-friendly afternoon. For more information, call 847-475-3410 or visit www.evanstonhistorical.org.
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The hotel partners of Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau will once again be spreading cheer this holiday season by offering complimentary hotel rooms to families with loved ones in local hospitals.
"This is a wonderful program," says Gina Speckman, executive director of Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The hotel managers are being extremely generous," she adds. "They are helping to lessen the financial and emotional challenges many family members face when caring for a loved one who must remain in the hospital during the holidays."
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Saturday, December 31
Starting at 6:00 p.m.
Welcome 2006 in style with First Night Evanston, Illinois' largest New Year's Eve Festival of the Arts. With 117 performances, 40 artists, 19 stages and midnight fireworks, this year's First Night promises a fantastic celebration for the entire family! In addition to specially priced overnight packages at Evanston hotels, First Night Evanston also features free shuttle service, free parking at designated lots and free metered street parking. You won't want to miss this spectacular New Year's Eve extravaganza! For more information, call 847-475-NITE or visit www.firstnightevanston.org for a complete schedule of events.
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December 26 - January 1
Cahn Auditorium
600 Emerson Street, Evanston
Light Opera Works of Evanston presents one of the most beloved musicals of all time The Sound of Music, Rodgers and Hammerstein's soaring musical set against the panorama of the Austrian Alps. The perfect show for the entire family, The Sound of Music follows Maria as she arrives from the convent to be the governess for the seven children of Captain von Trapp. He rules the house and family like a ship, but she transforms them all with patience, love and music. This award-winning musical comes to life with a 31-piece orchestra! Make a fabulous evening out of it by combining First Night, with an overnight hotel stay and tickets to The Sound of Music. For more information, call 847-869-6300 or visit www.lightoperaworks.org.
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Through December 17
Piccolo Theatre
600 Main Street, Evanston
Piccolo Theatre is proud to present its fourth annual British holiday Panto, Jack and the Wild Goose Chase. Who can resist that forthright and frank fellow, Jack, and the slimy Sarnoff? With the help of the Golden Goose, Daisy the Cow, and a few other friends, Jack must make his way through the madness of this mixed-up fairy tale to overcome strange creatures, produce amazing feats of intelligence, and tremendous magic in order to win his bride once again. Bring your this holiday season to find out (or to remember) how this ridiculous story winds up in the end. (Don't forget to brush up on your riddles!) For tickets visit www.Piccolotheatre.com or call 847-424-0089.
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The following businesses have recently joined Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau as Preferred Partners. Please help us build a bigger and stronger Bureau by letting us know of any businesses or industry contacts that you believe would benefit from becoming one of our Preferred Partners. Please contact Jennifer Williams, CNSCVB Sales Manager at jwilliams@cnscvb.com or call 847-763-0011 x 22 with any questions. The CNSCVB gratefully acknowledges the following new Preferred Partners and thanks them for their support.
Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio
623 Grove St.
Evanston
P: 847-869-7920
Contact: Diane Alfille
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Tucker Gallery
1939 Central St.
Evanston
P: 847-570-9825
Contact: Catherine Eberle
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Wilmette Village Center
1135 Central Ave.
Wilmette
P: 847-256-2575
Contact: Bob Hausheer
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