Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 112th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St.
The tree will be illuminated on Friday, Nov. 21, at 6 p.m. during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree will remain illuminated through Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
Guests can enjoy multiple viewing areas throughout Millennium Park, complete with giant screens, seasonal treats, and a vibrant main stage along Washington Street, right beside the Chicago Cultural Center. The celebration will reach its magical finale with the illumination of Chicago’s Christmas Tree, followed by a fireworks display. The event will also be livestreamed.
Schedule
5 p.m.
- TBD
- Performance from Mara Love, Chicago Made Showcase grand prize winner
6 p.m. - Tree Lighting Ceremony program begins
- Performances by the Leo High School Choir, who recently appeared on America's Got Talent
- A Magical Cirque Christmas featuring juggler and Chicagoan, Christopher Stoinev
- Chicago’s all-female mariachi group, Mariachi Sirenas
Welcome by DCASE Acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt
Mayor Brandon Johnson
6:25 p.m. - Countdown to light the city’s Christmas tree
Fireworks will also launch from the top of the Chicago Cultural Center as the tree is illuminated
Until 7 p.m - Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will return to close the evening with music
Entrances
Arrive early, as the pre-show begins at 5 p.m. and the official lighting ceremony starts at 6 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m. on Monroe and Randolph Street. All guests will be required to enter through security checkpoints and will be subject to bag checks. Checkpoints may close early if capacity is reached. Visitors are encouraged to enter from the south, with the quickest access points located along Monroe Street at Michigan Avenue or further east into the park.
Additional entrances are available on Randolph Street at Michigan Avenue and near the Harris Theater
Street Closures
The following street closures will be in effect starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 21:
- Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe
- Washington Street between Michigan and Wabash
- Madison Street between Wabash and Michigan
- Garland Ct. from Randolph to Monroe
Public transportation is strongly encouraged. Attendees can take the CTA to the Adams or Washington Street stations and walk to Monroe and should review bus schedules in advance for reroutes along Michigan Avenue.
This Year's Christmas Tree
This year’s Christmas tree is a generous gift from Ryan and Jody Mason of Glenview, Illinois, whose family donated their towering Norway spruce with the City of Chicago. Estimated at approximately 68-feet tall and decorated with 185 lit spheres, 1,200 light strings, over 119,000 LED lights and 39,250 feet of lighting that equals to nearly 8 miles of glimmering lights, the tree will be on display in Millennium Park through early January.
Accessibility
Every aspect of the physical space of Millennium Park has been designed to be accessible to all patrons for full inclusion.
For Millennium Park accessibility information, visit our accessibility webpage.
Food & Drink
Millennium Hall restaurant transforms into a true winter wonderland for the season, filled with festive décor that brings the magic of the holidays indoors and creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere for guest ice skating, visiting the holiday tree or exploring the park. The restaurant’s seasonal menu features winter comfort dishes and festive beverages, including warm shareables, hearty entrées and rotating specialty cocktails inspired by classic holiday flavors