The 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square will be wrapped with thousands of lights.

Michigan Avenue got a whole lot merrier on Friday night. Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the onstage VIPs as thousands of gathered onlookers stood shoulder to shoulder in crowds that stretched down Michigan Avenue at Millennium Park for the lighting of Chicago’s official Christmas tree.

The tree, a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Hodlen-Shaddick family, of Logan Square, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through January 8, 2025.

One of the country’s oldest holiday traditions will happen in Chicago this week. The 111th City of Chicago Christmas Tree will be lit up Friday night, Nov. 22, during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park.

The City of Chicago's Christmas tree in Millennium Park will be lit Friday for the 2024 season. Crews were putting the finishing touches on the massive tree late Wednesday. After the tree lighting, people typically make their way to the Christmas market.

Some of Chicago's most famous holiday events for 2024 open for business this weekend, including the city's official Christmas Tree Lighting, the opening of Chicago Christmas markets and an illuminating Christmas Parade.

Friday, Nov. 22 City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. preshow; 6 p.m. tree lighting Friday, Nov. 22, at Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, Chicago. Chicago’s