CHICAGO (November 12, 2020) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce its annual line-up of holiday programming, featuring a revised schedule of shopping, dining and virtual entertainment supporting more than 100 local businesses. The 2020 line-up includes annual neighborhood traditions with a COVID-friendly twist — along with new events created to celebrate the season safely. This year, ACC is embracing the theme of "Holidays with Intention," encouraging residents and visitors to make a conscious effort to shop and dine locally — now more than ever. For the latest Information on Andersonville's Holiday programming, visit andersonville.org/holiday-events.
"If you'd like to see your favorite small business survive the holiday season, now is the time to take action," comments Director of Marketing & Communications Joelle Scillia. "That's why we're urging residents and visitors to shop, dine, celebrate and self-care with intention in the coming months. That means buying gifts locally and early to avoid any inventory shortage this year, planning holiday meals from Andersonville restaurants in advance, and finding ways to celebrate and care for yourself while keeping a local-first mindset."
The Chamber also kicks off the holidays with the fourth year of the #AlwaysAndersonville Pledge Local Campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to commit to supporting local businesses this holiday season by shifting their spending. Take the pledge here.
November and December Holiday Highlights Include:
Meet Santa on Zoom! Contest — November 11 — December 4, 2020 <;B>
In partnership with Stewpendous Productions, this year Santa will make online appearances via Zoom, and the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is giving away 10 free virtual visits so believers can share their holiday wish lists! To enter for a virtual Santa visit, shoppers must spend at least $35 at any local Andersonville business and show proof of receipt between November 11 — December 4. Visit the Andersonville Virtual Santa Tracker for more details on entry and the dates of each drawing.
Andersonville Thanksgiving Meals and Offers — Thursday, November 26
Thanksgiving may look a little different this year for all of us, but that doesn't mean it has to be any less flavorful! The Chamber is working to pull together a roundup of Turkey Day offerings and menus from neighborhood restaurants, specialty food stores and caterers to help celebrate with bellies full. For a growing list of participating businesses, visit the Thanksgiving offerings in Andersonville page.
Small Business Saturday — Saturday, November 28
Andersonville celebrates the national "Small Business Saturday" movement the Saturday after Thanksgiving with special offers from participating businesses. While many businesses hope to hold in-person shopping hours, customers are highly encouraged to shop online. The Chamber is also excited to launch a partnership with Partisan Chicago on Small Business Saturday, featuring curated gift boxes from Andersonville retailers — perfect for corporate gifting! A list of participating Andersonville businesses is forthcoming and can be found on the Andersonville Small Business Saturday event page.
Late Night Andersonville: Fa la la la Fridays — November 27, December 4, 11 & 18
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is encouraging shoppers to stay home and shop online (pajamas encouraged!) for the Late Night Andersonville Shopping Series this season. Late Night Andersonville: Fa la la la Fridays will be held for four consecutive Friday evenings starting Friday, November 27 (Black Friday). Participating retailers will all use a consistent promotional code AlwaysAndersonville to grant shoppers access to deals, discounts and offers online between a certain time window each Friday. More information will be posted on the Late Night Andersonville event page, including retailer offers, as it becomes available.
Late Night Andersonville: Curbside Pick-Up in PJs — December 3, 4, 10, 11
As a continuation of the Late Night Andersonville series, participating Andersonville retailers will keep their shops open later, until at least 7 pm, on four nights throughout the season specifically for order-ahead curbside pick-up. Skip the shop-in-person social distancing lines, order online during Fa la la la Fridays, and pick-up your gifts, all in one trip to the neighborhood! More information will be posted on the Late Night Andersonville event page, including participating retailers, as it becomes available.
Andersonville at Home for the Holidays: Virtual Variety Show — Sunday, December 6 at 7 pm
Although we can't all gather for the traditional caroling and festivities that are often found throughout the Andersonville business district during the holiday season, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce will bring the holiday tunes, warm feels and Shop, Dine & Celebrate with Intention messages directly from the small business community straight to your homes on Sunday, December 6 in an online virtual variety show. Akin to this summer's Andersonville at Home: A Midsommarfest Experience & Fundraiser, the Andersonville at Home for the Holidays program will premiere on both Facebook and YouTube with live commenting during the experience. Viewers are encouraged to tune in with warm drinks in hand, ready to check out great gift ideas to shop that night. The Chamber will also encourage ordering from Andersonville Restaurants in advance to enjoy during the program.
Traditional Swedish Events
The Swedish American Museum is currently assessing the feasibility of a COVID-safe St. Lucia Festival of Lights, which would fall on Sunday, December 13 this season. More information to be announced shortly.
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce fosters a vibrant environment in which Andersonville businesses can thrive by attracting a diverse customer base; providing business support services and advocacy; and engaging in business attraction, long-range planning, and economic development.
