The community calendar of Wilmette is filled with various annual events, as the seasons change, that promise to enrich, entertain and even offer a bit of competitive excitement like a friendly game at a casino. From family-friendly festivals to black-tie galas, the village provides residents and visitors with an opportunity for local culture and community spirit that is as refreshing as a well-played hand of cards.

Amongst the most anticipated events on this social calendar is The Annual Wilmette Festival of Arts. Located downtown, it turns the town into an outdoor gallery under open sky. Showcasing works from artists throughout the region such as paintings or photographs alongside sculptures or handmade jewelry – where art lovers can appreciate creative bets made by these creators in their work just like gamblers do while hoping for a big win.

In a lively community like Wilmette, a quiet revolution is underway that might as well be called a game of high stakes strategy and vision. In the same way that skilled gamblers know how important it is to play their cards right, local businesses are betting on sustainability and turning this area into an eco-friendly leader. This change in direction isn’t only about saving the planet but also creating sustainable business models for long-term growth and community health.

Wilmette has always been proud of its beautiful landscapes and commitment to communal ethics. Over recent years this has naturally led to an increasing emphasis on greener business practices. More and more companies within the local business climate are incorporating sustainable operations as key components of their overall strategies; And they’re winning big – not just for themselves but for everyone around them.

The Chamber helps connect your business to your community!

With a strong history of helping local businesses and organizations thrive, the Chamber continues to foster a strong commercial base by generating dollars that support schools, parks, municipal services, roads and infrastructure throughout Wilmette and Kenilworth.

The Chamber office is open for residents and visitors with information on local events, community activities, business special offers or sales, along with restaurant and business brochures.

November 22, 2014 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Starts at 4th and Linden and travels to Village Center

Celebrate the holiday season with the annual Wilmette Holiday Parade. Thousands of friends and family gather along the parade route to watch bands, classic cars, clowns, performers, school groups, businesses, community and civic organizations and more.

Watch the parade on WCTV-6, Wilmette Community Television, during the month of December

The Wilmette Holiday Parade has inspired holiday cheer in generations of local residents. Don’t miss being part of this hometown community tradition. Come enjoy the parade. Interested in being a part of the parade?

Looking for ways to grow your business and connect with other business owners and residents in our local communities? The Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting the people who work, live, shop, eat and play in the community. The Chamber helps businesses build and grow relationships, while strengthening their success and the community at large.

Wilmette is located approximately 16 miles north of downtown Chicago. Wilmette is a progressive community known for its beautiful lakefront, diverse architecture, tree lined streets, well maintained parks and excellent public and private schools. It is a community committed to its history, preserving its brick streets and old fashioned street lights. The Village extends approximately five miles west from Lake Michigan and is approximately one mile wide. Its municipal neighbors include Evanston and Skokie to the south, Glenview to the west and Kenilworth and Northfield to the north.

Kenilworth is a village in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 17 miles north of downtown Chicago. It is the newest of the nine suburban North Shore communities bordering Lake Michigan, and is the only one developed as a planned community. The village is known for its extreme affluence, being named the third wealthiest town in the United States in 2007.

From clothing and accessories to home furnishings and restaurants, Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber members are committed to providing personalized service and quality merchandise. New customers find that local business people soon know their names and remember their preferences. The welcome mat is out and you are in for an enjoyable shopping experience. You’ll love the service, merchandise and home town atmosphere.

Plus, when you shop Wilmette and Kenilworth first, a percentage of your sales tax helps reduce local taxes. Those dollars become part of the Village budget and are helping to reduce your local property taxes. And, when you compare our villages’ sales tax with Chicago and other communities, you will find the rate is lower in Wilmette and Kenilworth!