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CHICAGO—Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced even more details for 2022 holiday traditions at Millennium Park. New information revealed today includes the local family who donated the 109th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree: the Glisovic family of the Village of Morton Grove, the emcees for this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 18: Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues of NBC Chicago — and artist lineups for the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Sing-Along series.

This year’s event, presented by Powering Chicago with leadership support from the Millennium Park Foundation and the Pritzker Foundation, will include multiple viewing locations with screens and concessions across the Park and a main stage on Grainger Plaza near Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by fireworks.

Other holiday activities in Millennium Park include the 21st anniversary season of skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink opening November 18 (weather permitting), the return of the Millennium Park Art Market from November 18–20 and the return of the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along series every Friday between November 25 and December 16. The Park is open daily, 6am–11pm. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org.

Updated holiday program details are listed below.

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This year, holiday traditions return to Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.), with expanded programming and enhanced décor — made possible by the generous support of the Millennium Park Foundation and Pritzker Foundation. The Park is open daily, 6am–11pm. Plan your visit including safety guidelines at MillenniumPark.org.

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 9. This year’s Tree, a 55-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, was donated the Glisovic family of Morton Grove. This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Powering Chicago with leadership support from the Millennium Park Foundation and the Pritzker Foundation, will be on Friday, November 18 starting at 6pm (with a pre-show starting at 5pm and the actual lighting at approximately 6:30pm). Emceed by Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues of NBC Chicago, the 2022 event will include multiple viewing locations with screens and concessions across the Park and a main stage on Grainger Plaza near Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by fireworks.

“Powering Chicago is thrilled to continue its tradition of lighting the official City of Chicago Christmas Tree and this year’s 109th annual lighting is sure to put a smile on the face of all Chicagoans who see it,” said Elbert Walters III, Executive Director, Powering Chicago. “I want to offer a very special thanks and congratulations to Electrical Contractors’ Association 100th year member, McWilliams Electric Company and the members of IBEW Local 134, who are responsible for the lighting decorations of this year’s Tree. On behalf of Powering Chicago, I’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.”

Tree Lighting Ceremony Schedule (subject to change):

• 5pm  -  Pre-Show: DJ Mwelwa and LiV Warfield and Theodis Rodgers Jr.
• 6pm  -  Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring Son Monarcas, Broadway In Chicago: Wicked’s Lissa deGuzman “Elphaba” and Jennafer Newberry “Glinda” singing “For Good”, Jumaane Taylor and Chicago Human Rhythm Project's Stone Soup Rhythms, and special guests Dreezy Claus and Sister Claus.
• 6:30pm  -  Fireworks
• 6:40-7pm   -  Adia - Electric Violinist and DJ Mwelwa

Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, presented by Hilton, returns for its 21st anniversary season, open daily from November 18 through March 5 (weather permitting). Admission is free, but online reservation tickets will be required. Visit Millennium Hall's Napolita Pizzeria and Wine Bar and Momentum Coffee for food and beverage. Additionally, DCASE will present free skating lessons (reservations required) from 8–9am on most Saturdays and Sundays from November 19 through March 5, 2022, teaching beginner and intermediate ice skating and hockey skills. Free lessons are made possible by the McDonald’s Active Lifestyles Endowment managed by the Millennium Park Foundation. For online reservation ticket details and session availability, skate rental fees, the full skating lesson schedule and more, visit MillenniumPark.org.

DCASE is pleased to be presenting the Millennium Park Art Market to kick off the holiday shopping season — aligned with the 109th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 18 and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 19. The Art Market, in the Chase Promenade North tent, will feature local artists selling a variety of items including jewelry, pottery, drawings, paintings and more. And don’t miss the food, cocktails and live music in the Art Market Lounge! The Art Market is made possible by the generous support of the Millennium Park Foundation and the Pritzker Foundation.

Art Market Schedule (subject to change):

• Friday, November 18 from 12–8pm
• Saturday, November 19 from 12–8pm
• Sunday, November 20 from 12–5pm

The Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along will invite Chicagoans and visitors to sing out and celebrate Chicago’s diverse holiday traditions at 6 p.m. on Fridays between November 25 and December 16. The Holiday Sing-Along is made possible by the generous support of the Millennium Park Foundation and Pritzker Foundation.

Holiday Sing-Along Schedule (subject to change):

• Friday, November 25 - Oakdale Christian Academy Choir
• Friday, December 2 - The Chicago High School for the Arts Chorale Ensemble
• Friday, December 9 - Windy City Gay Chorus and Treble Quire
• Friday, December 16 - BYNC Music Project

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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 and Cook County. 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 Foundation
The Millennium Park Foundation, a private, philanthropic nonprofit partner, was created in 1998 to support the City of Chicago’s efforts in the design, construction, and curation 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, accessible and equitable venue for all Chicagoans today, and for generations to come.

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.