The Millennium Park Christmas tree is no doubt Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree. Every year the lights are switched on during a jubilant annual ceremony that marks the start of the festive season. From then on the great tree illuminates the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street filling onlookers with joy and festive cheer.
Like many of Chicago’s cherished holiday traditions, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park returned last year after going virtual in 2020 in order to prevent crowds from gathering during the pandemic. Our beloved events returned to the in-person events we once knew and we enjoyed it all the more having taken it for granted all those years before.
The City of Chicago switched the lights on of the enormous tree at the 109th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm on Friday, November 18 and the tree will remain lit up through January 8, 2023.
“Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 109th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. from November 18 through January 8.” read the Chicago.gov release.
Winter ice skating has also returned to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink for its 20th season running from November 18th to March 5th, 2023. As ever, admission is be free, but online reservations will be required.
Caroling at Cloud Gate was last year renamed Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along in order “to be more inclusive of Chicago’s many faith backgrounds, cultures and holiday music traditions” and is also expected to return. Chicagoans and visitors will be invited to sing out and celebrate Chicago’s diverse holiday traditions on Fridays at 6 pm.
More information will be made available at Chicago.gov while more information on ice skating can be found at millenniumparkfoundation.org.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]