Ravenswood Prepares for Inaugural Light Up Nights Festival on Wilson Avenue This December

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Ravenswood · November 26, 2025

Ravenswood residents will soon have a new holiday tradition as the Ravenswood Neighbors Association launches the inaugural Light Up Nights Festival and Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7th. The free community celebration will transform Wilson Avenue between Ravenswood and Hermitage into a festive gathering space from 4-8pm, featuring local vendors, live performances, and seasonal activities.

The event will showcase neighborhood talent with performances from the ACM School of Music, a brass band, and The Greasy Skillet Jug Band. Families can enjoy a variety of activities including photos with Santa, a kids' scavenger hunt, multimedia window displays, and a tree lighting ceremony at 5pm featuring Alderman Martin and The Chicago Chorus Girl Project. The indoor holiday market will offer opportunities to shop from local artisans while supporting neighborhood businesses. Flavin Electric, a local business, is generously sponsoring the event lighting, with additional support from the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.

Community members interested in participating can visit Wilson Avenue businesses during the event, which will offer special food and drink options including hot toddies from O'Shaughnessy's Public House and refreshments from Access Contemporary Music's Cafe. The festival also includes a fundraising raffle benefiting both the Ravenswood Neighbors Association and Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry, with prizes donated by more than 20 local businesses.

Sources:
1. https://myravenswoodneighbors.org/events/ravenswood-light-up-nights/
2. https://do312.com/events/2024/12/7/ravenswood-light-up-nights-festival-holiday-market-tickets
3. https://www.lincolnsquare.org/holidays-business-events