City Accepting Nominations for Official Christmas Tree

The City of Chicago is looking for this year’s “official” Christmas tree that will adorn Millennium Park for the holiday season.

Nominations from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs will be accepted until Oct. 21 by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The winning tree’s owner will also receive the honor of being able to “flip the switch” to light the tree at the 103rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 18 in Millennium Park.

Trees must meet the following criteria to be nominated, according to city officials:

•          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.

Submissions will be accepted by 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. Mailed submissions must be received by the office before the deadline date of Oct. 21.

Last year’s tree was a 63-foot Colorado Blue Spruce that came from a home in northwest suburban Northlake. 

The selected tree will be announced in early November, according to city officials.

For more information, visit cityofchicago.org/dcase.

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