Share and Follow
On Friday evening, Chicago heralded the start of the festive season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park, bringing holiday spirit to the heart of the city.
The event unfolded with a captivating musical showcase that set the stage for the much-anticipated illumination. Revelers gathered to witness this spectacular tradition, enjoying a lineup of performances and a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the Chicago skyline.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Adding to the evening’s excitement was a special preview of New Year’s Eve celebrations, giving attendees a taste of the upcoming festivities.
This year’s majestic tree, a generous gift from the Mason family, took center stage. The family joined Mayor Brandon Johnson and Santa Claus for the ceremonial countdown, a moment that left the crowd in awe as the tree’s lights were switched on.
The vibrant glow of the official Chicago Christmas Tree now shines along Michigan Avenue, embodying the warmth and joy of the holiday season, and inviting everyone to partake in the city’s celebratory spirit.
“Just so I can feel like the Christmas spirit and to be joined with family and friends,” tree lighting attendee Ana Cruz said.
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.”
SEE ALSO | CTA releases Holiday Train, Bus schedules
“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.”
“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.”
