The city unveiled its official Christmas tree Tuesday evening at the 101st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Daley Plaza.
The ceremony began at 4:30 p.m. with live performances by "Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale," "Hansel & Gretel - A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat", Tiny Tim and the cast of Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Story", and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The tree was unveiled and lit at 5 p.m.
The tree was unveiled and lit at 5 p.m.
This year’s tree was donated by Donna Atkinson and her family of Elgin. Atkinson nominated their holiday tree for the past three years and each year was picked runner-up. This year persistence paid off when their 57-foot Colorado blue spruce was selected to become Chicago's official Christmas tree.
The annual tradition began on Dec. 24, 1913, when the first municipal Christmas tree was lit in Grant Park, according to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
