In Brief:
The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Daley Plaza is now in its 95th year, and features the Chicago Children's Choir, cast members from The Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol, Santa Claus, and of course the star of the show, a 90 foot tall Christmas tree.Where:
Daley Plaza at Washington and DearbornWhen:
December 2, 2008Hours:
Performances begin at 12:00 p.m., the tree lighting is at 12:30 p.m.- Santa's House Hours:
- November 27, 2008 (Thanksgiving Day): 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- November 28 - December 23, 2008: Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- December 24, 2008: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Santa takes a break each day from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission:
FREE!Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Description:
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 the following Tuesday 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 90 foot Christmas tree (which is actually made up of 130 smaller trees lashed together).
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.
