Select holiday shopping events, organized chronologically
NOVEMBER
FRI/25-SUN/27, THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Ayla’s Awesome Day After Thanksgiving Sale
Come to Ayla’s Originals International Bead Bazaar on Friday, November 25 from 8am-11am ONLY. Receive 50 percent off anything in the store. We encourage donations of non-perishable food items for the Interfaith Action Council of Evanston. The rest of Thanksgiving weekend, bring in food donations and get 25 percent off your purchase! 1511 Sherman, Evanston, (847)328-4040.
Black Friday at Cynthia Rowley
Enjoy 30 percent off all clothing styles from the Cynthia Rowley Fall 2011 Collection. Can’t shop at Cynthia Rowley on Friday? Enjoy 20 percent off clothing until Sunday. 1653 North Damen, (773)276-9209 and 810 West Armitage, (773)528-6160.
WED/30
2nd Annual Market at Plymouth Court
Just in time for the holidays, buy items directly from the Chicago-based artists and designers who created them. Featuring unique items such as apparel, fashion & home accessories, candy, pastries, spa items, jewelry, menswear and more. Wine and cheese reception included. scmarket@eventbrite.com. The Standard Club (Grand Ballroom), 320 South Plymouth. $20 in advance/$25 at door (includes raffle entry and glass of wine). Reservations: (312)427-9100 ext. 5198 or events@stclub.org.
DECEMBER
THU/1
Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event
Presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Glitter brings more than 24 local designers and independent boutiques to the Cultural Center with original designs and specialty items. There will be complimentary gift wrapping with purchase, and holiday treats and light refreshments for all attendees. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Preston Bradley Hall. 11am-6pm.
One of A Kind Show and Sale
The eleventh annual holiday arts, crafts and gourmet show offers four days of custom shopping. A portion of all ticket sales benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital. Merchandise Mart, (800)677-6278. THU/1, 12-9pm; FRI/2, 11am-9pm; SAT/3, 10am-7pm; SUN/4, 10am-5pm. $12 adult, $9 student and senior.
SAT/3
Do-Division Holiday
The shops, boutiques and restaurants on Division rock holiday cheer again for Do-Division Holiday. Stop at Ruby Room or Elevenzees for a free horse-drawn carriage ride. West Division between Milwaukee and Leavitt. Through SUN/4.
Shavonne Dorsey Trunk Show
Come and preview the Spring 2012 collection and save on holiday pieces for your wardrobe. As a holiday gift to you, they are offering 15 percent off all purchases that evening. Refreshments will be served. The Fashion Market, 216 S. Jefferson, Suite 100, (312)636-6137. 6-9pm.
Unwrap Wicker Park Bucktown
‘Unwrap Wicker Park Bucktown’ holiday passport program launches with exclusive events during the weekend of Do-Division Holiday and Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market. The printed ‘passport’ directs customers to over 50 local stores, restaurants and service providers in Wicker Park & Bucktown, offering deals that run from December 3-24. By presenting the passport at a participating merchant at any point over the 3-week span, shoppers are privy to exclusive sales and discounts such as: gift certificates at boutiques; deep discounts at salons, spas, galleries, markets, and theatres; freebies at restaurants and cafes; and much more. Free to the public, passports can be obtained at any of the 56 participating businesses or by downloading it at wickerparkbucktown.com/WPBpassport.
FRI/9
ShopColumbia 3rd Annual Holiday Market
ShopColumbia underwent a huge renovation and is now three times larger and features even more of the work of current Columbia College Chicago students and alumni. Featured artists will be on hand throughout the event providing customers with a unique opportunity to meet the talent behind the work. Merchandise includes fine art, housewares, fashion and children’s gifts. To get shoppers in the holiday spirit, a reception serving warm beverages and holiday treats will be held on Friday 9th from 4-7pm. ShopColumbia will also be offering free gift-wrapping with a $100 purchase or $10 donation to Scholarship Columbia. (312)369-8616. 623 S. Wabash, 11-7pm. Also, SAT/10, 11-5pm.
THU/15
Ayla’s Bead Bazaar Special Beading Nite Benefit
Our lovely, patient and extremely helpful Kina has suffered a stroke. Spend an evening with Kina, Ivy, Colette, Lucie and Ayla and 50 percent of the proceeds from all retail sales will go to help Kina pay her hospital bill.Ayla’s Originals, 1511 Sherman, Evanston, (847)328-4040. 4-8pm.
