One of the most cherished holiday traditions is the city of Chicago Christmas tree lighting.
It marks the beginning of the season as thousands gather round to celebrate the spirit of giving. This Christmas lights tradition has been going on for more than a century, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
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After spending years in Daley Plaza, the official city Christmas tree was moved to Millennium Park in 2015 and it’s been there ever since.
The 109th City of Chicago Christmas Tree is a 55-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Glisovic family of Morton Grove.
The Chicago Christmas tree lighting ceremony is always a full evening of entertainment. Past performers have included talent as diverse as the “People’s Diva” opera star Renée Fleming and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider.
The 2022 event includes multiple viewing locations with screens and concessions across the Park and a main stage on Grainger Plaza near Cloud Gate, with the traditional Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by fireworks and a special concert headlined by DJ Mwelwa and Electric Violinist Adia.
The evening begins with a pre-show from DJ Mwelwa and LiV Warfield and Theodis Rodgers Jr.
Also performing are 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 will also be performing.
And of course the Clauses will be there: special guests Dreezy Claus and Sister Claus, that is.
The actual tree lighting will be around 6:30pm and will be heralded with fireworks.
The tree will remain in Millennium Park until January 9, so there’s plenty of time to see it if you can’t make the lighting ceremony.
2022 Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Schedule
(Subject to change)
Emceed by Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues of NBC Chicago Today
- 5pm – Pre-Show: DJ Mwelwa and LiV Warfield and Theodis Rodgers Jr.
- 5:45pm – 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.
- 6:25pm – Fireworks
- 6:30-7pm – Adia – Electric Violinist and DJ Mwelwa
The tree lighting ceremony isn’t the only holiday fun!
Millennium Park will be turned into a winter wonderland, with ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink beginning at 11 am on November 18, 2022 and open through March 5, 2023 (weather permitting).
Admission is free, but online reservation tickets will be required. Snacks and hot drinks will be available from Momentum Coffee.
There will also be the Millennium Park Art Market in the Chase Promenade North tent. The Art Market will feature 30 local artists selling a variety of items including jewelry, pottery, drawing, painting and more.
In addition to professional artists curated through BUDDY, the shop at the Chicago Cultural Center, the Art Market will feature student artists from organizations including Marwen and After School Matters — plus a café, pop-up programming and a special visit by Dreezy Claus on Saturday and Sunday from 1–3pm.
Millennium Park Art Market Schedule
(subject to change)
- Friday, November 18 at 12–8pm
- Saturday, November 19 at 12–8pm
- Sunday, November 20 at 12–5pm
The Art Market is made possible by generous support from the Millennium Park Foundation.
One of Chicago’s other favorite holiday traditions is just down the street from the Chicago Christmas Tree. Christkindlmarket is an outdoor holiday fair in Daley Plaza that brings the German-style market to the Midwest.
Christmas is a magical time, and one of the most magical is the Chicago Christmas tree lighting ceremony.