The City's Official Christmas Tree Is Moving To Millennium Park

By Kate Shepherd in News on Oct 21, 2015 3:13PM

For as long as many of us can remember, Chicago's official Christmas tree has been in Daley Plaza.

But the city is starting a new tradition this holiday season and moving it to Millennium Park—near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, to be exact. In the park the tree will be closer to the ice skating rink, caroling at Cloud Gate and Maggie Daley Park. The tree will be unveiled and lit during the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 24.

"The combined two park sites offer plenty of robust seasonal programming and entertainment at Chicago's new 'winter campus,'" Michelle T. Boone, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, said in a statement.

After nearly 50 years in Daley Plaza, moving it to Millennium Park is actually a throwback to the past. The first official Christmas tree was lit by Mayor Carter Harrison Jr. (his father was also mayor) in 1913 in Grant Park at Monroe St. and Michigan Ave, just two blocks from where the 2015 tree will stand.

And if you have a spruce or fir tree that is at least 55 feet tall and located within 100 miles of the Loop, then the city wants to hear from you. They're accepting nominations now through Oct. 26.