Chicago Christmas tree lighting and holiday events announced for 2021
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The Chicago Christmas tree will be lit in Millennium Park Nov. 19 to launch holiday events this winter, according to an announcement Thursday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
The announcement includes full details about the lighting ceremony for the 108th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree, as well as singing at Cloud Gate and other holiday plans (all subject to change):
Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 19 in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.), near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street. The 2021 event has been expanded to provide more space, including multiple viewing locations with screens and concessions across the park and a main stage on the Great Lawn. Masks encouraged, free Chicago masks available while supplies last. The tree will remain lit through January 9, 2022.
5:30–6 p.m.: Preshow with DJ Selah Say
6 p.m.: Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, the cast of Chicago Opera Company performing an excerpt from “Becoming Santa Claus”; a youth dance ensemble from the Kenwood School of Ballet; and guests Dreezy Claus and Sister Claus.
6:30 p.m.: Fireworks.
6:35–7:45 p.m.: Concert featuring DJ Selah Say; Cirque du Soleil performing an excerpt of “‘Twas the Night Before …”; Chicago Soul Spectacular performing a Christmas medley; and singer-songwriter Brian McKnight.
Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park returns for its 20th anniversary season, open daily from Nov. 19 through March 6 (weather permitting). Admission is free, online reservation tickets will be required. Snacks and hot drinks will be available from Momentum Coffee. DCASE will present free skating lessons (reservations required) from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on most Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 20 through March 6, 2022; more at MillenniumPark.org
The Millennium Park Art Market will return (following 2018 and 2019 editions), to kick off the holiday shopping season — aligned with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. The Art Market in the Chase Promenade North tent will feature 30 local artists. 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 visit by Dreezy Claus on Saturday and Sunday from 1–3 p.m. Market takes place Friday, Nov. 19 at 3–8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20 at 12–8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 21 at 12–5 p.m.
The Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along (previously “Caroling at Cloud Gate”) will have singing to celebrate Chicago’s diverse holiday traditions on Fridays at 6 p.m., Nov. 26 to Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. Face masks are required.
Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.: Chicago Latino Theater Alliance presents Destinos al Aire: Posadas y Parranda
Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.: Dexter Walker & Zion Movement
Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.: The Chicago High School for the Arts Chorale Ensemble
Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.: Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers
Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.: Chicago Community Chorus
The announcement is part of “Capture Chicago’s Creative Spirit” — a campaign launched jointly by DCASE, Choose Chicago, the League of Chicago Theatres and many cultural and community organizations to celebrate Chicago’s creative community; more at ChicagoCreativeSpirit.com.
