On Dec. 3, the City of Evanston hosted the annual Holiday Light Celebration. The event, which took place from 5-7:30 p.m., included a welcome by City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, an official tree lighting with Santa and live music performances by the Evanston Children’s Choir. It also included performances by a brass quintet and the Northwestern Purple Haze acapella group. After the tree lighting in Fountain Square, guests were invited to The Merion, located at 1615 Chicago Ave., for free hot cider and churros. Free hot chocolate from Colectivo Coffee was also available throughout the evening.

“[I love] the free food, it’s my favorite part of the night,” said Camillo Garcia, an Evanston resident and attendee of the celebration. Garcia has never been to the tree lighting before, but found the experience to be highly enjoyable for him and his family. 

Alejandro, a student from Northwestern, said that his “favorite part was the Christmas tree lighting” and that he would likely return the following year.

The Merion also hosted a holiday toy, food, and book drive, which ran from Nov. 4 to Dec. 9. Attendees of the holiday celebration were encouraged to contribute.