Chicago's North Shore CVB Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
     CNSCVB E-Newsletter "News You Can Use" Happy Holidays!
  - Please Join Us!
Thursday, December 18
Chicago's North Shore CVB Offices
8001 Lincoln Avenue - Suite 715, Skokie
Come celebrate the festive holiday season at the CNSCVB Open House on Thursday, December 18 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm. In addition to lunch and special treats, you'll also have an opportunity to mingle with the hospitality industry's finest and be eligible for a chance to win a raffle prize! Please RSVP to Jennifer Williams at 847-763-0011 x 22 or email her at jwilliams@cnscvb.com no later than Friday, December 12. Free parking is available in the structure on the building's north side. We look forward to seeing you! Please click here for a map.

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Annual Reindog Parade Wonderland Express Annual Reindog Parade - Saturday, December 6
Wonderland Express - Through January 4, 2009

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
The Annual Reindog Parade returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden as part of the holiday exhibition, Wonderland Express. For three hours (11 am to 2 pm), dogs will be allowed to visit the Garden. Also that day, cleverly costumed canines are invited to march the parade route - with Santa in the lead carrying a giant rawhide bone--to celebrate the holiday season and compete for prizes awarded by celebrity judges. Dogs must be on leash at all times and must leave the garden by 2 pm. Wonderland Express, which takes visitors on a magical trip to a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday beauty, continues through January 4. It features a 10,000-square-foot exhibition of miniature trains which make their way through dozens of Chicago's favorite landmarks. For more information, please call 847-835-5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

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An Evanston Symphony ChristmasAn Evanston Symphony Christmas
Sunday, December 7
Evanston Township High School
1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
Get your Christmas spirits into high gear during one of the best holiday events in Evanston! Harry Porterfield of ABC-7 News is the Master of Ceremonies for this magical concert featuring performances by the Evanston Symphony, the Evanston Symphony Festival Chorus, and the Evanston Dance Ensemble. There will even be a visit from Santa and his elves! Share this Yule celebration with family and friends, and you'll be caroling all the way home. The concert, which features the favorite music of the season, begins at 3:00 pm. For tickets and more information, please call 847-864-8804 or visit www.evanstonsymphony.org.

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Top Chef Winner Comes to EvanstonTop Chef Winner Comes to Evanston
Tuesday, December 9
Now We're Cookin'
1601 Payne Street - Unit C, Evanston
Chicago's favorite "cheftestant" Stephanie Izard will cook up a holiday-inspired meal right here in Evanston - a rare chance to meet and dine with a local celebrity! Now We're Cookin', Evanston's premiere culinary destination, will host the demonstration, a tasting with wine, and a question-and-answer session with the Top Chef season 4 winner Chef Izard. The event runs from 6:30 - 9 pm. Tickets are $50 ($25 for students) and must be purchased by 5 pm on Friday, December 5. Space is limited. Call 847-570-4140 or email info@nwcookin.com for information.

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Shop ‘Till You Drop! Free Event Tickets with PurchasesShop ‘Till You Drop! Free Event Tickets with Purchases
Through December 24
Westfield Old Orchard
Old Orchard Road and Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Westfield Old Orchard is spreading holiday cheer to shoppers by offering free tickets, with qualifying purchases, to some of Chicago's most popular venues. Find just the right gifts at the center's more than 140 stores - including Chicago's only Zara, a brand new L.L. Bean and Crate & Barrel - and customers presenting $250 in same-day receipts from stores and restaurants all located within Westfield Old Orchard can choose a pair of tickets to the area's most popular museums, attractions and performances including the Civic Ballet's The Nutcracker, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Botanic Garden, Kohl Children's Museum, and the Writer's Theatre. To make the holiday shopping experience even more festive, Santa will visit from noon to 5 pm every Friday - Sunday until December 21. All children who visit with Santa will get a special gift, and complimentary Polaroid photos will be available while supplies last. For more information, please call 847-674-7070 or visit www.westfield.com/oldorchard.

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Third Annual Holiday Food Drive
Tuesday, December 9 - Friday, December 12
Evanston History Center - Charles Gates Dawes House
225 Greenwood Street, Evanston
In partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Evanston History Center will once again host its Holiday Food Drive. Although the interior of the house is closed to the public, staff will accept donations of nutritious, non-perishable food items (no glass, please) at the Charles Gates Dawes House. The items most needed are canned chicken and tuna, canned fruit and vegetables, fruit juice, jelly, macaroni and cheese, pasta, peanut butter, rice and whole grain cereal. For more information, please call 847-475-3410 or visit www.evanstonhistorycenter.org.

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Light Opera Works Presents “The Music Man”6th Annual Winter Arts + Crafts Expo
Through December 13th
Evanston Art Center
2603 Sheridan Road, Evanston
Evanston Art Center (EAC) is proud to present the 6th Annual Winter Arts + Crafts Expo, a representation of 84 of the best regional artisans with unique pieces of fine art and craft. Categories include jewelry, ceramics, wood, glass, metal, fiber, leather, wearable textile accessories, mixed media, small 3-D sculpture and 2-D works including printmaking, photography and painting. From December 6-13, enjoy a special sale featuring the works of EAC adult students! For more information and hours, please call 847-475-5300 or visit www.evanstonartcenter.org.

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The NutcrackerThe Nutcracker - December 13 & 14
Mandy Patinkin - December 27 & 28

Centre East
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
The North Shore's home for world class entertainment proudly presents The Civic Ballet of Chicago's The Nutcracker with matinees beginning at 3pm each day. Celebrate the holiday season with this magical family tradition set in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets. Also in December, you won't want to miss Tony and Emmy Award-winner Mandy Patinkin, who returns to the Centre East after two sold-out performances in 2003. With his interpretations of popular standards, this show is sure to sell out quickly. Performances are at 8 pm on 12/27 and 3 pm on 12/28. For tickets and more information, please call 847-763-6300 or visit www.centreeast.org.

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Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 13
Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Saturday, December 20
The Glen Town Center - Winter Wonderland
2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview
Enjoy a yummy breakfast provided by Eggsperience while you share your holiday wishes with Santa! From 9 to 11am , bring your camera to take loads of pictures and enjoy a special holiday gift just for attending. The event is free of charge, but a new, unwrapped toy or clothing article for the Youth Service Holiday Gift Program is encouraged. Also at The Glen, don't miss story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus! From 10:30 to 11:30am, Santa and his wife will make a special visit to The Book Market at Hangar One to read their favorite holiday classics. For reservations and more information about these and other holiday happenings, please call 847-724-2025 or visit www.theglentowncenter.com.

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Breakfast with SantaLocal Hotels Spread Holiday Cheer to Hospital Patients and Their Families
For the sixth year in a row, the hotel members of Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau will be spreading cheer this holiday season by offering complimentary hotel rooms to families with loved ones in local hospitals. During the holidays in December, area hotels will be providing free overnight stays to those who live out of town and need to travel to the North Shore to be with family members who are confined to the hospital during the holidays. "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." Reservations for families are made through the hospital for the families in need.

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Light Opera Works Presents "The Music Man"
December 26 through January 4
Cahn Auditorium
600 Emerson, Evanston
Fast-talking "Professor" Harold Hill charms his way into the hearts of sleepy River City, Iowa. But can the love of Marian the Librarian change his ne'er-do-well ways? Come rediscover this beloved classic - as American as apple pie and the Fourth of July - with the original full orchestrations and opulent staging for which Light Opera Works is known! Sing along to such favorites as 76 Trombones, ‘Til There Was You, Goodnight My Someone and Gary, Indiana. This show is recommended for ages 6 and older. For more information and tickets, please call 847-869-6300 or visit www.light-opera-works.org.

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Photos with Santa
Through December 24
Northbrook Court
2171 Northbrook Court, Northbrook
Bring the entire family to "Meet and Greet" Santa at his festive winter garden residence near Neiman Marcus. Each child visiting Santa will receive a free holiday activity booklet, compliments of Tales of Desperoux. Ten different digital photo packages are available for purchase, ranging in price from $15.99 to $49.99 plus sales tax. Keepsake photo frames, key chains and holiday ornaments are also available for purchase. Photos with Santa are Monday-Friday 10:30 am-9 pm, Saturdays 11 am-9 pm and Sundays 11am-6pm. New this year, Northbrook Court will host special Pet Photo Nights with Santa (December 1, 8 and 15) with costumes available to dress up your favorite pet! For more information, please call 847-498-8161 or visit www.northbrookcourt.com.

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Bureau Welcomes New Partners
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 who 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.
Next Theatre Company
927 Noyes St.
Evanston
Chelsea Keenan
847-475-1875
Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University
1949 Campus Dr.
Evanston
Nichole Cooper
847-467-2426

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DECEMBER 2007
HEADLINES

SAVE THE DATE CNSCVB
Holiday Open House
Thurs. Dec. 13th 4-7pm

  • Holiday Open House - Please Join Us!
  • Annual Reindog Parade and Wonderland Express
  • An Evanston Symphony Christmas
  • Top Chef Winner Comes to Evanston
  • Shop ‘Till You Drop! Free Event Tickets with Purchases
  • Third Annual Holiday Food Drive
  • 6th Annual Winter Arts + Crafts Expo
  • The Nutcracker and Mandy Patinkin
  • Breakfast with Santa and Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus
  • Local Hotels Spread Holiday Cheer to Hospital Patients and Their Families
  • Light Opera Works Presents "The Music Man"
  • Photos with Santa
  • Bureau Welcomes New Partners


    Please send us your events as well as any news and photos we can use to keep our North Shore visitors and community informed. Send your submissions to gspeckman@cnscvb.com.

     
     
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