Come on out and enjoy the 103rd annual FREE Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 18, in Millennium Park, at Washington Street and Michigan Avenue. The program will begin at 6 p.m. with performances and special guests, and the tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. The 103rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature a performance by the international percussion sensation created by Luke Cresswell and Steve NcNicholas, “Stomp,” along with a special appearance by Santa Claus. The full line-up will be announced soon along with the announcement of the 2016 Christmas Tree.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, at Millennium Park, will open earlier in the day on Nov. 18 at noon, continuing through March 5, 2017.
Santa Claus will also set up shop in Millennium Park this holiday season. Santa’s Midwest headquarters will be open to children of all ages where they can visit and have their picture taken with Santa Claus throughout the holiday season. Parents and caregivers are asked to use their own cameras for photos. Special visits with Santa Claus begin on Friday, November 18, at noon until 6 p.m. For Santa’s regular visiting hours and dates, visit cityofchicago.org/holiday.
Caroling at Cloud Gate, part concert and part sing-along at Cloud Gate, will be held on Fridays, Nov. 25 through Dec. 16. Participating choral groups will include After School Matters: The I.A. Music Program (Inspiration.Aspiration.Music) on Nov. 25; the Chicago Children’s Choir on Dec. 2; the British International School of Chicago on Dec. 9; and St. John Berchmans Holiday Pops Chicago Chorus on Dec. 16. Concerts are free and scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m., weather permitting.
