103rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Held Friday in Millennium Park

The event is free to the public and will be hosted by NBC 5's Zoraida Sambolin

Chicago's 103rd annual tree lighting ceremony served as the official kickoff to the holiday season Friday evening in Millennium Park.

Hosted by NBC 5’s Zoraida Sambolin, the ceremony began at 6 p.m. and featured performances by cast members from STOMP, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical" and the Chicago Community Chorus.

This year’s chosen 69 ft. Norway Spruce was donated by the Bill Schollla Family of Wauconda. The suburban Chicago family joined Santa and other guests for the lighting of the tree.

It was the second year that the Chicago tradition was held in Millennium Park. Last year was the first time in nearly 50-years the tree wasn’t standing at Daley Plaza. 

The city’s 103rd official Christmas tree will remain on display near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through the first week of January.

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