City of Chicago Accepting Submissions for 2025 Tree Lighting Ceremony

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Chicago Residents Can Submit a Tree for 112th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Until Oct. 14

Tree Lighting Ceremony to Take Place Friday, Nov. 21, Along with Launch of Parkwide Holiday Programming

CHICAGO - The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) invite residents to help shape one of the city's most treasured traditions by sending in tree submissions for the 112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The selected tree will shine as the heart of Chicago's holiday celebrations, standing proudly inside Millennium Park at N. Michigan Avenue and E. Washington Street.

"Each year, Chicagoans come together to celebrate the holiday season in Millennium Park," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Our Millennium Park festivities are a joyful reminder of the community, creativity and the holiday spirit that make our city shine. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this year's celebration."

"The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of Chicago's most beloved holiday traditions, bringing communities and visitors from around the world together in celebration," said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. "We invite residents to participate by submitting a tree that can be a beacon for the spirit, beauty and joy of the season in our city."

All submitted 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 Treepine trees are ineligible as they are not sturdy enough

Trees that do not meet these criteria will not be considered. Applications for the tree submission will close on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The official Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at 6 p.m., complete with holiday performances, fireworks and a live broadcast on CBS Chicago. The tree will remain illuminated through Sunday, Jan. 11, 2025.

All submissions sent to [email protected] must 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
• At least two photographs (one from afar and one up close)

Guests can enjoy multiple viewing areas throughout Millennium Park, complete with giant screens, seasonal treats, and a vibrant main stage along Washington Street, right beside the Chicago Cultural Center. The celebration will reach its magical finale with the illumination of Chicago's Christmas Tree, followed by a fireworks display.

Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park begins Nov. 21 (weather permitting). Admission to the ice rink will be free, but reservations are required. The Park is open daily, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 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 Nov. 21 through Nov. 23. Located in the Chase Promenade North tent, the Market will feature Chicago-area artists selling jewelry, pottery, drawings and paintings, among other items. The festive market is made possible through the exclusive support of Allstate.

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs will be back Fridays starting Dec. 5 through Dec. 19. Chicagoans will be able to join their voices with community singers and choruses from around the city.

This year's holiday programming promises unforgettable experiences for all ages all winter long, with generous leadership support from the Pritzker Foundation and additional support from the Millennium Park Foundation.

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).

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.

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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.