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The 111th Annual Christmas Tree will return to Millennium Park as the centerpiece of a full slate of holiday programming

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are looking for the perfect tree to grace Millennium Park and serve as the City’s “official” Christmas Tree this holiday season. Nominations for trees from the Chicagoland area will be accepted at dcase@cityofchicago.org through Monday, October 14 at 8pm. The City of Chicago’s 111th Christmas Tree will once again shine this holiday season in Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.

“Every year, our city comes together to celebrate the joy and togetherness of the holiday season,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We are grateful to the local family who will donate their tree, as their gift represents the generosity and unity that defines our Chicago community. The annual tree lighting is more than a tradition—it is a beacon of hope, signaling the start of a season where we lift each other up, support our neighbors, and celebrate all that makes our city strong.”

All nominated trees must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 45 feet or taller;
• Be located less than 50 miles from Chicago’s Loop, but preference will be given to trees within 15 miles of Chicago;
• AND preferably, be a Norway Spruce or Fir Tree. (Pine trees are ineligible as they are not sturdy enough.)

Trees that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

All submissions sent to dcase@cityofchicago.org will need to include:

• The owner(s) name, address, phone and email;
• A brief description of why the tree should be Chicago’s official Christmas Tree including any background information on the tree that makes it special; and
• At least two photographs (one from afar and one up close).

Chicago’s official Christmas Tree will be illuminated on Friday, November 22 at 6pm with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree will remain illuminated through Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

“Even though the calendar has just turned to fall, it’s never too early to start planning for the city’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, the kick-off to the holiday season,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “Each year DCASE produces an inclusive celebration, with live performances and festivities, that delights the thousands of people who will make a visit to Millennium Park for the holidays.”

The lighting of the Christmas Tree, presented by Powering Chicago, serves as the centerpiece of the city’s beloved annual holiday traditions in Millennium Park. This year’s holiday festivities will include:

Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is presented by Discover Financial Services and runs November 15 until February 2 (weather permitting). Admission to the ice rink will be free, but reservations are required. Free skating lessons will be available, made possible by the McDonald’s Active Lifestyles Endowment managed by the Millennium Park Foundation. Refer to MillenniumPark.org for hours of operation, lesson details, and to reserve skate times.

Millennium Park Holiday Market returns November 22 through 24. Located in the Chase Promenade North tent, the Market will feature Chicago-area artists selling jewelry, pottery, drawings and paintings, among other items. Local artists and makers are invited to apply to sell their holiday items, kid’s gifts, artwork, toys, cards, jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, clothing, fashion accessories, home décor and more. There is no fee to vend. To apply to be a Holiday Market vendor, please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MLN8KC7 and complete the application by Thursday, October 10. Questions can be directed to CityMarkets@cityofchicago.org.

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs will be back Fridays starting December 6 through December 20. Chicagoans will be able to join their voices with community singers and choruses from around the city.

Millennium Park is open daily, 6am to 11pm. Visit MillenniumPark.org to plan your visit. For information about Millennium Park, visit millenniumPark.org, and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram (@Millennium Park).

Millennium Park holiday programs are produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and presented by Powering Chicago IBEW 134/NECA, with support from the Millennium Park Foundation, Millennium Garages and Chicago Transit Authority. Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is presented by Discover Financial Services.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city—to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city—serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

Powering Chicago IBEW134/NECA
Powering Chicago brings together the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 electricians and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) of the City of Chicago, Powering Chicago is an electrical industry labor-management partnership (LMCC) that invests in consistently better construction, better careers and better communities within the metro Chicago region.

Millennium Park
Celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary season, Millennium Park delivers a world-class collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provides the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, interactive art and family activities. In Millennium Park, you’ll find a spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city, a destination for all Chicagoans and visitors alike. In addition to the more than 80 free events presented throughout the summer, the City hosted a special four-day 20th Anniversary Celebration July 18-21 across the Park featuring award-winning headliners, activities for families and youth, workouts, new public art, dance performances, concerts, and fireworks — presented by Capital One and DCASE with the Millennium Park Foundation, Grant Park Music Festival, and others.

Millennium Park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the U.S. It is also the anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org; follow us on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter and Instagram (@Millennium_Park); and join the conversation on social media using #MillenniumPark.

Millennium Park Foundation
The Millennium Park Foundation, a private, philanthropic not-for-profit partner, was created in 1998 to support the City of Chicago’s efforts in the design, construction and management of Millennium Park. It is the steward of Millennium Park’s internationally recognized icons and public features. These include the prestigious Jay Pritzker Pavilion and dramatic BP Pedestrian Bridge, world-renowned Cloud Gate and Lurie Garden, iconic Crown Fountain, and exquisite Boeing Galleries for public art exhibitions. Through its ongoing development initiatives, the Millennium Park Foundation is dedicated to keeping Millennium Park a free and accessible venue for all Chicagoans today, and for generations to come.

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