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.

The tree, a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Hodlen-Shaddick family, of Logan Square, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through January 8, 2025.

The City of Chicago's Christmas tree in Millennium Park will be lit Friday for the 2024 season. Crews were putting the finishing touches on the massive tree late Wednesday. After the tree lighting, people typically make their way to the Christmas market.

Some of Chicago's most famous holiday events for 2024 open for business this weekend, including the city's official Christmas Tree Lighting, the opening of Chicago Christmas markets and an illuminating Christmas Parade.

Friday, Nov. 22 City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. preshow; 6 p.m. tree lighting Friday, Nov. 22, at Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, Chicago. Chicago’s

The tree, which was donated by a Logan Square family and placed in the park earlier this month, is being illuminated Friday evening.

The official Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting for 2024 takes place during a ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. The tree -- a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Hodlen-Shaddick family, of Logan Square -- will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through Jan. 8, according to the city's website.