Science & Nature
Majestic Norway Spruce Went From Sapling in a Pot to Chicago’s 2026 Christmas Tree
This nearly 50-foot Norway spruce, left, will be transformed into Chicago's official Christmas tree. (Courtesy of the Clark Family; Walter S. Mitchell III / City of Chicago)
The Clark family of Kane County has donated its nearly 50-foot-tall Norway spruce to Chicago for the city’s holiday display in the hopes it will bring “joy and wonder to millions,” Mandy Clark said in her submission of the tree for consideration.
The spruce will be transported to Millennium Park where it will be lit during a ceremony on Nov. 20 and stand as the centerpiece of the city’s holiday celebrations, through Jan. 10.
Though it’s tall and majestic today, the spruce started out as a sapling in a pot. The family received it in 2004 after the funeral of her husband’s grandfather, and eventually planted it in the yard in 2005. It has since become a “beautiful reminder” of her late husband, Michael Clark, as well as his grandfather, Mandy Clark said.
Over the decades, the tree grew significantly and needed to be relocated, which wasn’t feasible.
“I thought, what better way to celebrate its life and legacy than by transforming it into something magical,” Clark said, “while carrying forward the spirit of family and remembrance.”
The Clarks’ Norway spruce will be the city’s 113th official Christmas tree.
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