Visiting Chicago’s official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Millennium Park is the perfect way to kick off the holidays in Chicago!
- Ultimate Guide to the City of Chicago’s Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony
- The History of the Chicago Christmas Tree
- About the 2023 Chicago Christmas Tree
- When is the 2023 Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony
- How Long Will the Chicago Christmas Tree Remain?
- Other Holiday Activities in Millennium Park
- Conclusion: Why You Need to Visit the Chicago Christmas Tree
Ultimate Guide to the City of Chicago’s Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony
Chicago is a city that loves to celebrate the holidays, and one of the most festive and beloved traditions is the annual lighting of the official Chicago Christmas Tree. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Millennium Park to admire the stunning lights and decorations, and I am one of them. There’s a real festive feel, with music and entertainment that makes everything feel merry and bright.
But where does this magnificent tree come from, and how can you see it for yourself? Here are some facts and tips on where to find Chicago’s Christmas Tree, and what to expect from this year’s celebration.
Read on for everything you want to know about the annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.
The History of the Chicago Christmas Tree
The Chicago Christmas Tree has a long history. It started in 1913 when the city put up the first tree in Grant Park. The tree was a 35-foot spruce, decorated with 600 multi-colored lights, and donated by an associate of then-Mayor Carter Harrison Jr.
Since then, the Chicago Christmas Tree has moved to different locations, including the Daley Plaza, the Museum Campus, and the Navy Pier. In 2015, the tree found its current home in Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. in Chicago’s Loop.
The tree has also grown in size and splendor over the years, reaching heights of over 100 feet and featuring thousands of lights and ornaments. The tree is usually a Norway spruce or a fir tree, and is selected from hundreds of nominations from the Chicagoland area.
About the 2023 Chicago Christmas Tree
This year, the 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree is a 45-foot Colorado blue spruce, donated by the De La Cruz family of Darien, Illinois. The tree has been outside a Darien family’s home for 37 years, and was chosen from among 100 applications to be this year’s official city Christmas tree. The family’s tree is a gift to the city and its residents to be enjoyed throughout the 2023 season.
When is the 2023 Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony
The tree will be cut down and transported to Millennium Park on November 7, and will be decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and hundreds of ornaments. The tree will be illuminated during the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 17, which will be emceed by Irika Sargent and Joe Donlon of CBS 2 Chicago.
The 2023 Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature a variety of holiday performances, including DJ TREW, Meagan McNeal, Broadway in Chicago’s Betty Boop, Chicago Dance Crash, Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance’s 2023 National Cuatro Festival with featured artists from Puerto Rico, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Keep your eyes peeed, you might even catch a glimpse of the Grinch himself!
The ceremony will also include a fireworks show, and will be broadcast live on CBS 2 Chicago and streamed online.
How Long Will the Chicago Christmas Tree Remain?
The tree will remain lit until January 7, 2024, and will be open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The tree is free to visit, and is located at 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60602 in the Chicago Loop neighborhood.
Other Holiday Activities in Millennium Park
Besides the Chicago Christmas Tree, there are many other holiday activities and attractions to enjoy in Millennium Park. Some of the highlights include:
- The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink: A popular spot for skating and enjoying the winter scenery, the ice rink is open from November 17 to March 4, weather permitting. The admission is free, and skate rental is $13 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays.
- The Millennium Park Holiday Art Market: A three-day event that showcases the work of local artists and artisans, the art market is open from November 17 to 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The market features jewelry, ceramics, paintings, prints, and more, and is located at the Chase Promenade North.
- The Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along: A series of festive concerts that invite the audience to join in the singing of classic and contemporary holiday songs, the sing-along is held on December 1, 8, and 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The sing-along features different performers each week, and is located at the Wrigley Square and Millennium Monument.
Conclusion: Why You Need to Visit the Chicago Christmas Tree
Whether you’re a local Chicagoan or a visitor, witnessing the tree lighting is an experience you won’t want to miss. So, make your plans, come join the festivities, and let the Chicago Christmas Tree illuminate your heart with the warmth of the season. From its sparkling lights to the festive cheer, it’s a holiday tradition that truly captures the essence of this wonderful time of year.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful for your trip to Chicago. Have a wonderful and merry holiday season!
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