CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- More events are returning to Chicago this holiday season.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced last month more details holiday traditions as Chicago’s vital arts and culture scene continues to safely and fully reopen. New details revealed include artist lineups for the reimagined Tree Lighting Ceremony, headlined by singer-songwriter Brian McKnight; the Holiday Sing-Along series in Millennium Park; online registration and skating lessons at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink; and the return of the Millennium Park Art Market, featuring Chicago-made art, objects, and more by 30 local artists.
The announcement was part of “Capture Chicago’s Creative Spirit” — a campaign launched jointly by DCASE, Choose Chicago, the League of Chicago Theatres and many cultural and community organizations to celebrate Chicago’s creative community and welcome residents and visitors back to theaters, museums, dance and music venues for live cultural events. For activities through December, visit ChicagoCreativeSpirit.com.
“Revitalizing our city’s arts and culture scene is essential to our post-pandemic recovery on both an economic and social level,” said Mayor Lightfoot, in a statement. “I am thrilled that we are able to bring back our beloved fall and holiday events, along with a renewed sense of normalcy this season. After all, we have a wide variety of artistic and cultural experiences across our city that our residents deserve to safely enjoy once again.”
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 108th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street from Nov. 19 through Jan. 9. All-virtual in 2020, this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will be in-person on Friday, Nov. 19 starting at 6 p.m.
The 2021 event has been expanded and reimagined to provide more space and opportunities for guests to participate — including multiple viewing locations with screens and concessions across the Park and a main stage on the Great Lawn with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by fireworks and a special concert from 6:35 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., headlined by singer-songwriter Brian McKnight.
Tree Lighting Ceremony Schedule (subject to change):
• 5:30 p.m. to 6pm: Preshow with DJ Selah Say
• 6 p.m.: Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, the cast of Chicago Opera Company performing an excerpt from “Becoming Santa Claus;” a youth dance ensemble from the Kenwood School of Ballet; and special guests Dreezy Claus and Sister Claus
• 6:30 p.m.: Fireworks
• 6:35 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.: Concert featuring DJ Selah Say; Cirque du Soleil performing an excerpt of ‘Twas the Night Before…;” Chicago Soul Spectacular performing a high-energy Soul Christmas medley; and singer-songwriter Brian McKnight
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Ice Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park
Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park returns for its 20th anniversary season, open daily from Nov. 19 through March 6 (weather permitting). Admission is free, but online reservation tickets will be required.
Additionally, DCASE will present free skating lessons (reservations required) from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on most Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 20 through March 6, 2022, teaching beginner and intermediate ice skating and hockey skills. Free lessons are made possible by the McDonald’s Active Lifestyles Endowment managed by the Millennium Park Foundation. For online reservation ticket details and session availability, skate rental fees, the full skating lesson schedule and more, visit MillenniumPark.org.
Millennium Park Art Market
DCASE is pleased to be presenting the Millennium Park Art Market, to kick off the holiday shopping season — aligned with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. The Art Market in the Chase Promenade North tent will feature 30 local artists selling a variety of items including jewelry, pottery, drawing, painting, and more. In addition to professional artists curated through BUDDY, the shop at the Chicago Cultural Center, the Art Market will feature student artists from organizations including Marwen and After School Matters — plus a café, pop-up programming, and a special visit by Dreezy Claus on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Art Market Schedule (subject to change):
• Friday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 20 at noon to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 21 at noon to 5 p.m.
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along
The new Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along, previously “Caroling at Cloud Gate”, will invite Chicagoans and visitors to sing out and celebrate Chicago’s diverse holiday traditions on Fridays at 6 p.m., Nov. 26 through Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.. This series has been reimagined to be more inclusive of Chicago’s many faith backgrounds, cultures and holiday music traditions.
Holiday Sing-Along Schedule (subject to change):
• Friday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.: Chicago Latino Theater Alliance presents Destinos al Aire: Posadas y Parranda
• Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.: Dexter Walker & Zion Movement
• Friday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.: The Chicago High School for the Arts Chorale Ensemble
• Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.: Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers
• Friday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.: Chicago Community Chorus
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