The holiday season is fast approaching, we finally have a date for Chicago’s 2025 tree lighting ceremony, and the hunt is on for the city’s official Christmas Tree.
The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced the annual holiday tree lighting will take place on Friday, November 21 in Millennium Park.
But before the holidays can officially kick off, Chicago needs to select a tree—and submissions are open now.
Here’s how you can submit your own pick for Chicago’s next Christmas tree.
Submit your own spruce
DCASE will accept certain varieties of spruce and fir trees in consideration for Chicago’s 2025 Christmas tree. Submissions must meet the following guidelines:
- At least 45 feet or taller
- Located less than 50 miles from Chicago’s Loop; preference will be given to trees within 15 miles of Chicago
- Preference will be given to Norway Spruce or Fir trees. Pine trees are ineligible as they are not sturdy enough.
Chicagoans can submit their trees to dcase@cityofchicago.org along with the following information:
- The owner(s) name, address, phone and email
- Brief description of why the tree should be Chicago’s official Christmas tree, including any background information that makes the tree special
- At least two photographs – one from afar and one up close
Click here for more information.