It’s time to mark your calendars: this year’s Small Business Saturday celebration in Evanston is set for Saturday, November 29, 2025—and if you care about community, culture and local real estate value, you’ll want to be part of it. Chicago's North Shore CVB+2Downtown Evanston+2
Supporting local businesses isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a tangible investment in the neighborhoods you live in, the schools your children attend, and the property values you steward. When you shop local in Evanston, you’re bolstering the economy of our city, contributing to vibrant commercial corridors, and reinforcing what makes Evanston such a high-quality place to live and do real estate business.
What’s Happening This Year
● Downtown Evanston (Davis & Sherman)
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From 11 AM to 5 PM on Nov 29, participating local shops invite you to spend, explore and receive rewards. Downtown Evanston+1
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If you spend $100 or more at multiple participating stores, you’ll receive a $20 Evanston e-Gift Card via a Holiday Shopping Passport. Patch+1
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A free trolley will run from 11 AM-3 PM linking Downtown and the Main-Dempster Mile. Great for families, fun for kids, and keeps parking stress-free. Downtown Evanston+1
● Main-Dempster Mile
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On Nov 29, 11 AM-3 PM: Trolley stops, special store-promotions, free holiday shopping bags at select stores for early shoppers. maindempstermile.com
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Free parking details and more visible in their special pages.
● Central Street
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Shop local, enjoy the neighborhood feel, and benefit from a city-wide promo: up to two hours free parking daily in business districts Nov 26 to Jan 1 via the Park Evanston app code “Holiday2025”. centralstreetevanston.com
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
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Come early: Best selections, easiest parking, and fewer crowds.
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Bring your receipts: If you want to redeem the Holiday Passport gift card or other promos, you’ll need spend proof.
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Use the trolley: Skip the hassle of moving your car—ride between districts, hop out, shop, hop on again.
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Think strategically: If you’re looking for gift-ideas (for clients, family, neighbors) or browsing neighborhood storefronts (which tie into local property scenes), this is perfect.
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Engage socially: Post your find, tag local stores, share your experience. It enhances visibility for the small business community—and by extension your real-estate network.
What this Means for Evanston Real Estate
When local businesses thrive, neighborhoods strengthen. Commercial vitality boosts walkability, neighborhood appeal, and ancillary services—all of which make for stronger home markets. As a real-estate professional rooted in Evanston, highlighting, supporting, and participating in days like Small Business Saturday positions you as invested and connected. It’s not just about houses—it’s about place.
Get out on November 29. Shop small, support local. Bring your friends, your family, your list of “I want to see what’s new.” And keep an eye on the storefronts, the corner shops, the local cafés—because each one you support today helps shape the real-estate market of tomorrow.
