Chicago is set to embrace the magic of the holiday season as the 112th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony officially commences. This beloved tradition will illuminate Millennium Park on Friday, November 21, 2025, marking the unofficial start to a festive winter wonderland for residents and visitors alike during the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting.
The Centennial Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting: A Tradition Ignites the City
The lighting ceremony, a cornerstone of Chicago’s holiday celebrations for over a century, traces its roots back to 1913 when Mayor Carter H. Harrison Sr. lit the city’s first municipal Christmas tree in Grant Park. Over the decades, this cherished annual tree lighting ceremony has evolved, from the iconic “mega-trees” constructed from multiple smaller trees to the current practice of featuring a single, grand donated tree. Since 2015, Millennium Park has served as the iconic backdrop for this cherished event, transforming the heart of the city into a beacon of holiday cheer for the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting.
A Majestic Norway Spruce Takes Center Stage for the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
This year’s centerpiece for the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting is a magnificent 68-foot Norway spruce, generously donated by the Mason family of Glenview, Illinois. This impressive tree, among the largest ever featured in the city’s display, has been adorned with approximately 39,250 feet of glimmering lights, promising a breathtaking spectacle. The illuminated Millennium Park Christmas tree will remain a prominent fixture in Millennium Park, bringing festive spirit through Sunday, January 11, 2026.
An Evening of Music, Merriment, and Magic at the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
The festivities are scheduled to begin with a vibrant pre-show at 5 p.m., featuring a lineup of local talent. Attendees can enjoy performances by Mara Love, the 2025 Chicago Made Showcase grand prize winner, and the acclaimed Leo High School Choir, known for their appearance on “America’s Got Talent.” The program will also include captivating acts from “A Magical Cirque Christmas” featuring Chicagoan juggler Christopher Stoinev, and the energetic all-female mariachi group, Mariachi Sirenas, all part of the holiday season kickoff.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and DCASE Acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt are slated to offer welcoming remarks, setting a celebratory tone for the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting. The Mason family, whose generosity provided this year’s tree, will join Mayor Johnson, Santa Claus, and the evening’s emcees on stage for the countdown to the illumination. As the tree lights up around 6:25 p.m., a spectacular fireworks display will launch from the top of the Chicago Cultural Center, creating a truly magical finale to the ceremony.
Following the lighting, the inclusive Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will perform a selection of holiday songs, and DJ Mike P will keep the celebratory atmosphere alive until 7 p.m., rounding out a memorable Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting event.
Expanding the Holiday Experience at the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting and Beyond
The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony serves as the prelude to a host of other holiday attractions within Millennium Park. The annual Millennium Park Holiday Market, presented by Allstate, will open its doors on November 21 and run through November 23, 2025. This festive market will showcase wares from over 40 local artisans and small businesses, offering unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats, adding to the excitement of Christmas in Chicago.
Complementing the market, the ice skating season at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink will also commence on November 21, weather permitting, and continue through February 1, 2026. Admission to the rink is free, though timed reservations are required, and skate rentals are available. The city encourages everyone to explore these offerings for a complete winter experience, starting with the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting.
Chicago’s Winter Appeal and Economic Impact: The Role of the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
These events are instrumental in solidifying Chicago’s reputation as a premier winter destination. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) works to elevate the city’s appeal, driving tourism and economic activity during the colder months. Holiday attractions significantly contribute to pedestrian traffic, hotel occupancy, and local retail sales, underscoring the vital role of public events like the annual tree lighting ceremony in the city’s vibrant economy. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated tree, the bustling market, and the ice rink, all contributing to the city’s festive charm and robust appeal, making the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting a key event.
The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is more than just an event; it’s an invitation to embrace the warmth, joy, and community spirit that defines the holiday season in Chicago. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate in the festivities and explore the many attractions that make this time of year so special in the Windy City, truly kicking off the holiday season kickoff.
