99th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Experience the splendor of the season at Chicago's 99rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Embrace the warm sounds of holiday music, enjoy a visit with Santa Claus, and shop at the Christkindlmarket, a German Christmas tradition, bringing food, fun and festivities to Daley Plaza during the holidays.

Friday, November 21, 2012 marks the 98th year of the much anticipated tree lighting tradition. Festive holiday music begins at 4:30 pm and the holiday season in Chicago officially commences at 5:00 pm, when the switch is flipped and the lights begin to sparkle and shine in Daley Plaza. Chicago's massive 85 foot tall holiday tree is comprised of more than 100 smaller Balsam Fir trees illuminated with more than 4,000 twinkling red, gold, white and green lights and 130 glowing ornaments. The tradition of an official City tree was initiated back in 1913 when it was first lit by Mayor Carter H. Harrison in Grant Park.