Search for Millennium Park Christmas tree begins

Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events are looking for the perfect tree to grace Millennium Park and serve as the city's "official" Christmas tree this holiday season.

Nominations for trees from the Chicago area will be accepted at dcase@cityofchicago.org through Friday, Oct. 7. The city of Chicago's 109th Christmas tree will once again shine this holiday season in Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.

All nominated trees must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 45 feet or taller;

• Be located less than 50 miles from Chicago's Loop;

• Preferably, be a Norway spruce or fir tree; pine trees are ineligible as they are not sturdy enough.

Trees that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

All submissions sent to dcase@cityofchicago.org will need to include:

• The owner(s) name, address, phone and email;

• 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;

• At least two photographs - one from afar and one up close.

Chicago's official Christmas tree will be illuminated at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18. The tree will remain illuminated through Jan. 8.

The lighting of the Christmas tree serves as the centerpiece of the city's beloved annual holiday traditions in Millennium Park. This year's festivities will include:

• McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, opening Nov. 18 until March 5 (weather permitting). Admission to the ice rink will be free but online tickets will be required. Free skating lessons will be available, made possible by the McDonald's Active Lifestyles Endowment managed by the Millennium Park Foundation. Refer to www.MillenniumPark.org for hours of operation, lesson details, and to reserve tickets.

• Millennium Park Art Market on Nov. 18-20. Located in the Chase Promenade North tent, the market will feature Chicago-area artists selling jewelry, pottery, drawings and paintings, among other items.

• Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along for four Fridays starting Nov. 25 to Dec. 16. Chicagoans will be able to join their voices with community singers and choruses from around the city.

Millennium Park is open daily, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Visit MillenniumPark.org to plan your visit - including where to enter/exit the park and which facilities are open.

For information about Millennium Park, visit millenniumpark.org, and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Millennium Park holiday programs are produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and presented by Powering Chicago IBEW 134/NECA, with support from the Millennium Park Foundation, Millennium Garages and Chicago Transit Authority.