Michigan Avenue got a whole lot merrier on Friday night. Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the onstage VIPs as thousands of gathered onlookers stood shoulder to shoulder in crowds that stretched down Michigan Avenue at Millennium Park for the lighting of Chicago’s official Christmas tree.

The 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square will be wrapped with thousands of lights.

Some of Chicago's most famous holiday events for 2024 open for business this weekend, including the city's official Christmas Tree Lighting, the opening of Chicago Christmas markets and an illuminating Christmas Parade.