The day of festive fun culminates in what organizers say is the largest evening parade in the U.S., marking the beginning of the holiday season in Chicago.

Chicago's holiday season has unofficially arrived, with the city's Christmas tree being lit Friday as a weekend full of holiday events begins.

The 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square will be wrapped with thousands of lights.

Michigan Avenue got a whole lot merrier on Friday night. Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the onstage VIPs as thousands of gathered onlookers stood shoulder to shoulder in crowds that stretched down Michigan Avenue at Millennium Park for the lighting of Chicago’s official Christmas tree.

COOK COUNTY - Chicago ’s cherished holiday tradition, the Christkindlmarket, is back for the season, offering locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the holidays with German-inspired festivities. The market, which opened this week, is operating at two locations: Daley Plaza in Chicago and River Edge Park in Aurora.

Thousands came to downtown Aurora for the Winter Light Fest on Friday which featured a parade, a drone show and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

The holiday season in the Chicago area unofficially kicks off Friday evening, as the city's official Christmas tree will be lit downtown, beginning a weekend full of holiday events.

Saturday's parade is set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. and runs through 7:30 p.m. and attendees will be able to gather along Michigan Avenue to view it.