Overview
- Chicago’s 112th official Christmas tree was illuminated in Millennium Park on Nov. 21 around 6:25 p.m., a 68‑foot Norway spruce from Glenview decorated with about 119,000 LED lights and fireworks to cap the ceremony, and it remains on display through Jan. 11.
- The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returned Nov. 22 with Lights Festival Lane from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a 5:30 p.m. parade along Michigan Avenue illuminating more than one million lights on 200 trees, and a fireworks finale over the Chicago River.
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse led the parade, Santa rode the Wintrust Grand Finale Float, and performances included Plain White T’s, the South Shore Drill Team and Chicago’s Leo High School Choir, with organizers expecting crowds up to one million.
- Christkindlmarket opened in Daley Plaza and Aurora on Nov. 21, with the Wrigleyville location scheduled to open Nov. 23, offering free admission, traditional food and drinks, and seasonal vendors.
- Lincoln Park ZooLights debuted Nov. 21 and runs through Jan. 4 with more than three million LED lights, a Ferris wheel and a light tunnel, as officials warned of heavy traffic and street closures near the downtown festivities.