111 Years of Tradition: The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Kicks Off Tonight!

Tonight, Chicagoans will gather in the heart of downtown at Millennium Park to celebrate a cherished tradition that’s been lighting up the city for 111 years. This year’s event promises to be as magical as ever, as the Chicago Christmas Tree takes center stage, illuminating the November night with thousands of sparkling lights and officially kicking off the holiday season.

As synonymous with the holidays as a Darlene Love Christmas classic, the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a beloved tradition, as fondly remembered as the Marshall Field’s holiday windows, a festive meal at The Berghoff, and shopping along Michigan Avenue.

Event Details - WATCH IT LIVE, HERE!

• Stage Location:

  E. Washington St. at S. Michigan Avenue, facing Millennium Park

• Entrance:

  South side of Millennium Park on Monroe St.

  About This Year’s Tree

  This year’s tree is a magnificent 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, generously donated by the Holden-Shaddick family of Logan Square. It’s adorned with:

• • 70,000 LED lights

    (10,000 more than last year!)

  • 35,000 feet of lights

    (equivalent to 6.2 miles!)

• Be sure to catch the lighting ceremony on CBS Chicago and join in the festivities that mark the start of another dazzling holiday season in the Windy City!

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