Program begins at 4:00 p.m.
Tree lighting ceremony is at 4:30 p.m.
- Santa's House Hours:
- November 26, 2009 (Thanksgiving Day): 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- November 27 - December 23, 2009: Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- December 24, 2009: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Santa takes a break each day from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(all dates and times subject to change)
An annual tradition, the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highly anticipated event. In previous years it was normally held the day after Thanksgiving, but for budgetary reasons the city moved it to a weekday afternoon -- much to the consternation of travelers only in town for the Thanksgiving weekend.
Located in Daley Plaza adjacent to the Christkindlmarket, the ceremony features live performances from the Chicago Children's Choir and cast members from The Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol before the official lighting of the approximately 54 foot high Christmas tree, which has been donated to the city.
This year, the tree has been updated with new lights and ornaments -- the thousands of multi-colored lights and hundreds of ornaments create quite a spectacle. Also receiving an update is the newly renovated Santa's Workshop at the base of the tree. Santa is available every day through Christmas Eve to listen to the little one's gift requests and for a great photo opportunity.
