This Friday marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season in Chicago with the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony in Millennium Park.
The 2025 Chicago Christmas tree is among the largest in our city’s history, and a spectacular light show is in store. Here’s everything to know before you go!
When is the tree lighting ceremony?
The official City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 21.
A pre-show featuring live musical performances begins at 5 p.m., followed by the lighting at 6 p.m. Following the lighting of the tree, attendees will enjoy a fireworks display.
Where is the tree lighting ceremony?
The ceremony is located in Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.
How long will the tree be on display?
The 2025 Chicago Christmas tree will be on display in Millennium Park until Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
What’s the best way to get to the tree lighting ceremony?
The tree lighting typically draws a large crowd to downtown Chicago, meaning the streets will be packed with pedestrians and vehicles alike.
We recommend catching a ride on the CTA to get to and from the ceremony without a hitch! The tree lighting ceremony is walking distance from the following stations:
- Brown, Orange, Green, and Pink line trains
- Clark/Lake
- State/Lake
- Washington/Wabash
- Adams/Wabash stations
- Red line trains
- State/Lake
- Monroe
- Blue line trains
- Washington
- Monroe
For more information on the 2025 tree lighting ceremony click here.