Arts & Entertainment

Chicago Is Making Holiday Plans. Search Is On for City’s Official Christmas Tree

The seasons are getting all jumbled up. It feels like summer, the calendar says it’s fall, and the city of Chicago is already making holiday plans.

Applications are now open for the city’s official Christmas tree, which will stand at the center of celebrations in Millennium Park.

Here’s what officials are looking for:

— The tree must be at least 45 feet tall.

— It should be located less than 50 miles from Chicago’s Loop, with preference given to trees within 15 miles.

— Norway spruce or other fir tree is ideal. Pine trees are ineligible.

Last year’s winner was a 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family of Logan Square.

To submit a tree for consideration, email the following information to [email protected]:

— Owner’s name, address, phone number and email address.

— A brief description of why the tree should be chosen, including any background on what makes the tree special.

— At least two photographs, one from close up and one from a distance.

The window for submissions will close Oct. 14. The official tree lighting ceremony is set for Nov. 21, and the tree will remain lit through Jan. 11, 2026.

Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]

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