Get ready for a spectacular celebration as the city unveils its most anticipated Chicago Holiday Events. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is thrilled to announce the official launch of the festive season with its beloved annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cornerstone of Chicago Holiday Events. Set to illuminate Millennium Park on Friday, November 21, 2025, this grand occasion marks the start of an unforgettable holiday journey, promising enchantment for residents and visitors alike throughout the season’s many Chicago Holiday Events.
The Grand Illumination: A Chicago Holiday Events Highlight
The centerpiece of Chicago’s holiday celebration, the 112th Annual City of Chicago Chicago Christmas Tree, will be unveiled in Millennium Park. The festivities commence with a vibrant pre-show starting at 5 p.m., featuring performances. The official ceremony, kicking off at 6 p.m., will include a welcome from DCASE Acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt and Mayor Brandon Johnson, highlighting the significance of these Chicago Holiday Events. Attendees will be treated to a dazzling array of entertainment, including the Leo High School Choir, a captivating performance from A Magical Cirque Christmas, and the vibrant sounds of Mariachi Sirenas. At approximately 6:25 p.m., Mayor Johnson will lead the countdown to the tree lighting, accompanied by fireworks launched from the Chicago Cultural Center. The evening will conclude with a musical performance by the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. The tree will remain lit and on display through Sunday, January 11, 2026, a beacon of the season’s cheer and one of the many magical Chicago Holiday Events.
Millennium Park Becomes a Winter Wonderland for Chicago Holiday Events
Complementing the tree lighting, Millennium Park events transform into a hub of holiday activity, offering a prime location for Chicago Holiday Events. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink officially opens its 2025-2026 season on November 21, offering picturesque ice skating Chicago against the backdrop of the city skyline and holiday lights. While admission is free, online reservations are required for all skating sessions, which run daily through early February 2026. Complementing the ice rink is the holiday market Chicago, located in the Chase Promenade North tent. Opening on November 21 and running through November 23, the market will showcase over 40 local artisans and small businesses, offering a curated selection of unique gifts. This market is a must-visit among the numerous Chicago Holiday Events. Additional holiday programming includes the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along series, scheduled for Fridays in December, inviting Chicagoans to join community singers and choruses, further enriching the tapestry of Chicago Holiday Events.
Chicago Rings in the New Year with National Spotlight on Chicago Holiday Events
This year’s holiday season in Chicago is further elevated by a monumental addition: the city will host the first-ever Central Time zone countdown for the legendary Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve Chicago. This historic event, scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, will broadcast live on ABC, positioning Chicago alongside New York City and Puerto Rico as a key countdown location within the grand scope of Chicago Holiday Events. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed excitement, stating, “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and dynamism of our city and its people for the world to see.” The televised event will feature live performances and on-the-ground reporting from downtown Chicago, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River, a dazzling highlight of our Chicago Holiday Events. This national spotlight is expected to boost tourism and highlight Chicago’s status as a premier winter destination, a testament to the draw of our comprehensive Chicago Holiday Events.
A City Committed to Culture and Community Through Chicago Holiday Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) continues its mission to support creatives and expand access to the arts across all of Chicago’s neighborhoods, with Chicago Holiday Events at the forefront. The extensive holiday programming underscores the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape and providing engaging experiences for everyone. As Chicago prepares to light up its Chicago Christmas Tree and welcome a new year, the city offers a compelling invitation to celebrate the season with unparalleled festivity and community spirit through these engaging Chicago Holiday Events. This news is sure to make headlines for its grand scale and national significance, potentially making it a viral moment for Chicago tourism. The city is aiming for a TOP holiday season, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination through its diverse and exciting Chicago Holiday Events. All this news highlights Chicago’s enduring appeal and the vibrant nature of its Chicago Holiday Events.
