Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), has announced further details for Chicago's 2024 holiday traditions at Millennium Park. A significant highlight is the donation of the 111th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree by the Holden family from Logan Square.

The Christmas Tree will be displayed in Millennium Park near N. Michigan Avenue and E. Washington Street, with illumination scheduled for Friday, November 22, during the city's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event will be broadcast live by CBS Chicago starting at 6 p.m.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by Powering Chicago, with leadership support from the Millennium Park Foundation and the Pritzker Foundation. The ceremony will offer multiple viewing locations within the park, featuring screens and concessions. The main stage will be located on Washington Street adjacent to the Chicago Cultural Center, directly across Michigan Avenue from the tree, and will host holiday performances culminating in fireworks.

Other activities include the return of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink sponsored by Discover Financial Services®, opening on November 15. Additionally, there will be a Holiday Market from November 22-24 and a Holiday Sing-Along series every Friday between December 6 and December 20.

Millennium Park remains open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with detailed information available at MillenniumPark.org.

The Christmas tree this year is a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family from Logan Square. It will shine brightly until January 8 near Michigan Ave. and Washington St.

DCASE presents a Holiday Market in Chase Promenade North tent featuring over 30 local artists selling various items such as jewelry, art, apparel, home décor, bath/body products, among others.

Holiday Sing-Alongs invite participation every Friday evening between December 6 and December 20 at Cloud Gate (The Bean). These events are supported by both the Millennium Park Foundation and Pritzker Foundation.

Free skating lessons are offered this year at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink thanks to support from McDonald’s Active Lifestyles Endowment managed by Millennium Park Foundation. Admission is free but requires reservations; skate rentals are available along with snacks and hot drinks provided nearby.

Powering Chicago brings together IBEW Local 134 electricians and Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago/Cook County for better construction projects within metro Chicago region.

The nonprofit Millennium Park Foundation supports design/construction/curation efforts in park since its inception in 1998 while stewarding renowned features like Jay Pritzker Pavilion or Cloud Gate among others—ensuring accessibility/equity today & future generations alike!

DCASE invests/supports artists/cultural organizations expanding creative economy/access arts throughout city’s neighborhoods producing iconic festivals/events serving millions locally/globally annually offering grants/resources managing public art/film production permitting special events citywide—visit Chicago.gov/DCASE stay connected via newsletters/social media platforms!