Evanston shoppers who spend $100 at participating downtown businesses on Saturday, Nov. 28, will receive a free $20 Evanston E-Gift Card as part of a Holiday Shopping Passport program for Small Business Saturday, while supplies last.

The passport program, organized by Downtown Evanston, works like this: collect signatures and purchase amounts at participating shops, then bring the completed passport to Dayhouse Coworking at 922 Davis St. between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Nov. 28 to claim the e-gift card. Purchases must total $100 or more in products or gift cards, not services. Shoppers who visit on Sunday can leave their passport at any participating business.

Free trolley connects two districts

A free holiday trolley will loop between the Main-Dempster Mile and Downtown Evanston on Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to Downtown Evanston's trolley page. Northwestern Neighborhood & Community Relations is sponsoring the ride.

The trolley makes stops at Evanston Animal Hospital (720 Main St.), Booked Evanston (516 Main St.), Evanston SPACE (1243 Chicago Ave.), Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston (1515 Chicago Ave.), Fountain Square and other locations. Departure times are approximate, starting at 11 a.m. from Main Street.

Riders can expect carolers from the Frozen Robin Carolers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Several stops feature their own specials: free hot cocoa at Evanston SPACE's bar, a holiday photo booth at Hyatt House and a Winter Wanderland kickoff party at Booked.

On the Main-Dempster Mile, the first 20 shoppers who spend $100 at district businesses starting at 3 p.m. will receive a mystery gift bag containing a gift card to a local business.

Two bingo games, two chances to win

Downtown Evanston’s Holiday Bingo runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 20. Shoppers collect stamps at checkout from participating businesses. Purchases at five businesses earn one raffle entry; 10 businesses earn three entries; and 15 businesses earn five entries. Completed cards must be submitted at a participating business by 5 p.m. Dec. 20 for a chance to win a $250 Evanston E-Gift Card.

The Main-Dempster Mile has its own version. Its Winter Wanderland Holiday Bingo, run in partnership with Booked, runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 31. Every five stamps earn a raffle ticket for a grand prize drawing in January 2027. Completing a vertical, horizontal or diagonal bingo line wins instant prizes at Booked.

Free parking through New Year's Day

The city's "Holiday Parking: Free for 2026" promotion covers up to two hours of free street parking per day in Evanston's business districts from Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Jan. 1, 2027. The city is covering both parking costs and transaction fees in the Park Evanston app. Shoppers enter the validation code "Evanston2026" on the app's payment screen.

Gift ideas at three price points

Budget-conscious shoppers can find options across Evanston's independent stores without breaking $25. At Bookends & Beginnings, the downtown independent bookstore, staff picks listed on the store's website include children's titles such as "Julián at the Wedding" by Jessica Love ($8.99), "Goodnight Moon" ($10.99) and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" ($10.99). Adult paperbacks include "Ballerina" by Patrick Modiano ($18.00), "Audition" by Pip Adam ($18.00) and "Television" by Lauren Rothery ($17.00).

Under $50, the bookstore lists "The Emperor of Gladness" by Ocean Vuong ($30.00) and "Good Things," a cookbook by Samin Nosrat ($45.00). "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach is listed at $14.00, down from a previous price of $28.99.

On the Main-Dempster Mile, Stumble & Relish at 1312 Chicago Ave. carries accessories, jewelry, candles, home décor and Evanston-themed gifts, according to the shop's collections page. The store offers free gift wrapping on in-store purchases and ships online orders or holds them for in-store pickup. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store is closed Mondays.

On Central Street, Stella Boutique at 2116 Central St. is a clothing and accessories shop run by owner Rachel. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Central Street details still to come

Central Street Evanston has confirmed a Small Business Saturday event for Nov. 28 but has not yet posted specific merchant offers or activities.

The Evanston E-Gift Card, accepted at more than 60 small businesses citywide, is also available year-round as a standalone gift at app.yiftee.com/gift-card/evanston, starting at $25.