Chicago Christmas Tree lighting set for Friday in Millennium Park

The 106th annual lighting of Chicago’s official Christmas tree is slated for 6 p.m. Friday in Millennium Park (at Michigan and Randolph).

The fun and festivities (including the arrival of Santa Claus) will feature special musical guests including Grammy Award winner Jonathan Butler, the mariachi masters Cielito Lindo, and a performance by the cast of “Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish — The Musical.”

After weeks of a search for the ideal candidate to become the city’s 106th official Christmas tree, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events earlier this month announced that a 55-foot blue spruce is the winner from among more than 40 entries in this year’s contest.

The Gene Nelson family of Elgin donated the tree from their front yard.

In addition, a Millennium Park Art Market (Nov. 22-24) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago, will take place inside a heated tent at the park’s Chase Promenade North and feature one-of-a-kind items for sale by more than 150 student artists. The nearby McCormick Ice Rink is open.

Complete information on holiday events at Millennium Park can be found at millenniumpark.org.