Presented by The City of Chicago and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highly-anticipated event drawing people of all ages to the heart of Chicago's downtown Loop. Musical performances and festive holiday music begin at 4:30 p.m. and the holiday season officially commences at 5:00 p.m., when the switch is flipped and the lights begin to dazzle in Daley Plaza. The tree will be on display in the plaza from Thanksgiving through New Years as a sign of the city's holiday spirit.

Chicago is dazzling this holiday season! From special holiday exhibitions at Chicago museums to popular annual traditions like the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the Daley Plaza Christmas Tree to celebrations of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, there is no better place to experience the joy and magic of the holiday season than Chicago.

Visitors to the city are invited to make their first stop the Chicago Office of Tourism's Visitor Information Center in the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 East Washington Street.

Chicago is home to hundreds of hotels to suit any taste or price point, many of which offer special holiday packages. For more information on visiting Chicago this holiday season, or to book accommodations, visit www.explorechicago.org or call 877-CHICAGO.

Opening Hours:
Program begins at 4pm, tree lighting at 4:30pm