Michigan Avenue got a whole lot merrier on Friday night. Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the onstage VIPs as thousands of gathered onlookers stood shoulder to shoulder in crowds that stretched down Michigan Avenue at Millennium Park for the lighting of Chicago’s official Christmas tree.

The 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square will be wrapped with thousands of lights.

One of the country’s oldest holiday traditions will happen in Chicago this week. The 111th City of Chicago Christmas Tree will be lit up Friday night, Nov. 22, during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park.

The tree, a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Hodlen-Shaddick family, of Logan Square, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through January 8, 2025.

The popular Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza will open for the season on Friday, and the official Chicago Christmas tree will also soon glow bright at night in Millennium Park. Two nights ahead of time,