Chicago, IL, 2019-Oct-01 — /Travel PR News/ — The City of Chicago is looking for a tree to grace Millennium Park and serve as the City’s “official” Christmas tree this holiday season. Through Friday, October 18, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will accept tree nominations from the Chicagoland area. The family of the selected tree will get the opportunity to “flip the switch” and lightthe tree at the 106th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 22 in Millennium Park.
The City of Chicago’s 106th Christmas Tree will shine this holiday season in Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. The musical program will begin at 6pm in Wrigley Square.
In order to secure the perfect tree, all nominated trees must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 55 feet or taller;
- Be located less than 100 miles from Chicago’s Loop;
- AND preferably, be a Spruce or Fir Tree. Pine trees are ineligible, they are not sturdy enough.
Trees that do not meet the criteria will not be considered.
All submissions need to include: the owner(s) name, address, phone and email; at least two photographs (one from afar and one up close); and a brief description of why the tree should be Chicago’s official Christmas Tree including any background information on the tree that makes it special.
Trees can be nominated via email to DCASE@cityofchicago.org or by mail to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, ATTN: Christmas Tree Contest, 78 E. Washington Street, Chicago, IL. 60602 (must be received by October 18). The selected tree will be announced in early November. For complete details, please visit chicago.gov/dcase.
Millennium Park Holiday Programs
Millennium Park will be the epicenter of holiday cheer in Chicago, featuring your favorite seasonal traditions, Chicago’s official Christmas Tree, ice skating, music, exhibitions, markets, winter gardens, family fun and much more. For the complete schedule of events, visit millenniumpark.org.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Michigan Ave. between Washington St. & Monroe St.
November 15–March, 2020, weather dependent
FREE Admission
Visit website for hours, skate rental, complete details and special programming dates.
106th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 22, 6pm
Millennium Park, Wrigley Square, Michigan Ave. & Randolph St.
FREE Admission
Enjoy the glittering tree set among Chicago’s sparkling skyline and the iconic art and architecture of Millennium Park. The selected tree and ceremony program featuring music and special guests will be announced at a later date.
Millennium Park Art Market with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago
November 22–23, 11am–7pm
November 24, 11am–5pm
Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North
FREE Admission
Start your holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind items, including jewelry, fashion, painting, sculpture, prints, drawings and more on sale by student artists. The Holiday Art Market is supported by the Millennium Park Foundation.
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Fridays, November 29, December 6, 13 and 20, 6pm
Millennium Park, Cloud Gate Plaza
FREE Admission
Bundle up and belt out some holiday classics as local Chicago choral groups lead hundreds of celebrants in song.
Dance-Along Nutcracker®
Sunday, December 8, 9am–3pm
Dance Lessons–9am and Noon
Performances–10am and 1pm
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
FREE Admission
Sugar plum fairies and mouse kings of all ages and abilities are invited to point their toes to the familiar music of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic.
The Dance-Along Nutcracker®, created in 1985, is the property of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the world’s first openly gay musical organization.
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Thursday, September 19, 2019—January 5, 2020
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
FREE Admission
As the largest exhibition of contemporary art, architecture, and design in North America, the third edition of the Biennial features over 80 contributors from more than 20 countries. The Chicago Cultural Center serves as the main venue for the Biennial, but the exhibit continues with more than 40 sites and 100 organizations across Chicago partnering with the Biennial, serving as host venues and producing independent exhibitions and programs throughout the neighborhoods.
chicagoarchitecturebiennial.org
Millennium Park holiday events are produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and made possible by the Millennium Park Foundation, with support from the Chicago Transit Authority and Millennium Park Garages. All events are free admission. For information about Millennium Park, visit millenniumpark.org, call 312.742.1168, and join the conversation on Facebook (Millennium Park), Twitter and Instagram (@Millennium_Park).
Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open 6am–11pm daily. For the latest news and events, download the Millennium Park app, visit millenniumpark.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @Millennium_Park.
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.
Millennium Park Foundation
The Millennium Park Foundation, a private, philanthropic nonprofit partner, was created in 1998 to support the City of Chicago’s efforts in the design, construction, and curation of Millennium Park. It is the steward of Millennium Park’s internationally-recognized icons and public features. These include the prestigious Jay Pritzker Pavilion and dramatic BP Pedestrian Bridge, world-renowned Cloud Gate and Lurie Garden, iconic Crown Fountain, and exquisite Boeing Galleries for public art exhibitions. Through its ongoing development initiatives, the Millennium Park Foundation is dedicated to keeping Millennium Park a free, accessible and equitable venue for all Chicagoans today, and for generations to come.
Contact:
Mary May
mary.may@cityofchicago.org
312.744.0576
Christine Carrino
christine.carrino@cityofchicago.org
312.744.0573
Source: City of Chicago