Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony: Official city Christmas tree to light up Millennium Park Friday
CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago will flip the switch on the holidays Friday evening in Millennium Park.
The city’s officials Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off with music at 5 p.m., the main program at 6 p.m. and the big moment around 6:25 p.m.
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Guests can expect performances, fireworks, and even a New Year’s Eve preview.
The Mason family donated this year’s tree. They will be alongside Mayor Brandon Johnson and Santa for the countdown.
Holiday cheer resonated along Michigan Avenue, where this tree will illuminate in Millennium Park, marking the beginning of the Christmas season.
“Just so I can feel like the Christmas spirit and to be joined with family and friends.”
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Meanwhile, the lights of the season are shining The Palmer House, decorated floor to ceiling for the holidays and the 154th annual tree lighting in the hotel’s lobby.
Also, dancers at the Joffrey Ballets are rehearsing for the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.”
On the ice for a November Friday, some skaters got their balance and a bit of holiday spirit at the Millennium Ice Rink.
‘All of this is like a scene from a movie,” skater Carlos Silos said. “Chicago looks great. I think people are going to have a great time.”
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“It’s been wonderful,” Romi Farrell said. “Came to see ‘The Bean’ and saw this, and said we might as well. We can’t do this in Texas.”
The Millennium Market another spot to add to the holiday tradition. Sailor John Pousin just graduated from Great Lakes
“I’m extra in the holiday spirit extra,” Pousin said. “Yeah, I’m enjoying my time here.”
There were plenty of people in the holiday spirit at Christkindlmarket. Daley Plaza has transformed for the season, a holiday tradition for many Chicagoans.
“It’s fun. My boyfriend and I have come here for the last three years,” Meera Gosavi said. “I think the is the first opening day, and it’s really fun.”
Newlyweds David and Dani Cherry seemed pretty happy, but it wasn’t just the hot cocoa. The couple is expecting their first child, a true holiday blessing.
“We are super excited, found out last week, so this holiday season is a little more special,” Dani Cherry said. “We are super excited we are in the spirit.”
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“Our first-born child,” David Cherry said. “I’m so excited. I can’t wait. I can’t even express it enough. I can’t wait to see them, to meet them.”
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