With hearts fluttering and a flip of a switch, Chicago's official Christmas tree was aglow, fireworks glistening against the skyline, adding to the holiday cheer in Millennium Park and all across the city.
The tree, which was donated by a Logan Square family and placed in the park earlier this month, was illuminated Friday evening near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street next to the Chicago Cultural Center.
"It's great. It's Christmas," holiday season enjoyer Les Hanley said. "Everybody's friendly. Everybody's in a good mood."
The holiday crowd started to fill Millennium Park early in the day. The skaters were gliding along on the ice rink and anticipation is mounting for the lighting of Chicago's official Christmas tree.
The tree is a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, and the fun will got underway at 6 p.m.
The Hubbard family is visiting Chicago from Kalamazoo, Michigan.
"We like the big city," Kelsey Hubbard said. "The lights, the people, it's fun."
Chicago Christmas Tree lighting ceremony kicks off holidays
Other holiday events are also kicking off Friday in Chicago.
It's a little less than a week before Thanksgiving, but the Christkindlmarket on Daley Plaza is already drawing big crowds a couple of blocks away from Millennium Park. It was was bustling with revelers enjoying a warm snack and a hot beverage.
"It's very bright and happy, and it feels awesome to be out here, and I'm so glad I could be here," attendee Georgia Rucker said.
The stocking-shaped mugs are apparently a big hit.
"If you step in here and don't feel Christmas, then bah humbug on you," resident Abigail Austin said.
Ashleen Sparks and Janice Hodges are visiting Chicago from Texas.
"Yeah, love it," Hodges said. "Feels like Christmas, and we actually saw the snow yesterday which made it even better."
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"We're actually getting the Christmas spirit right now," Sparks said. "This'll be our Christmas right here."
At the Palmer House Hotel in the Loop, they pushed a button and turned on the lights for the huge Christmas tree in the lobby.
Many of the visitors at the Christkindlmarket were waiting for the lighting of the tree later at Millennium Park. The market even got a thumbs up from a visitor from Germany, Thilo Ziegenhagen.
"Yeah, it's very nice," Ziegenhagen said.
It may not yet be Thanksgiving, but the Christmas season is underway this weekend, like it or not. And downtown, it seems most people like it. The mild weather is a bonus.
"The weather is perfect," resident Nick Huntley said. "We're normally freezing our hands off out here."
That warmth of the holiday season was also felt in the suburbs.
Aurora's Winter Lights Fest featured a parade and drone show that illuminated the skies. Brookfield Zoo ushered in its holiday lights festival, which includes a nightly Dolphin adventure.
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to line North Michigan Avenue for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, featuring the world's most famous mice, Mickey and Minnie.
Bradley Borowiec/Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
"It's amazing. It's a time that we all come together, and we celebrate one another and the happiness and joy," said Bradley Borowiec with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
Those who are coming to the parade Saturday should get there early. The main street closures start around 3 p.m. and the parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. at Oak and Michigan.
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"I love the holiday spirit," resident Michonda Tarver said. "I love the Christmas spirit. I love the giving, the cheering."
A fireworks show followed the tree lighting.
Kayswanna McCoy/Enjoying Holiday Season
"Chicago goes big every year, especially with the parades that are going to be happening, the light festival, and everything that the holiday season has coming up," said Kayswanna McCoy, who was enjoying the holiday season.
The following streets were closed from 10 a.m.-11:59 p.m. Friday:
- Washington St. from Wabash to Michigan Ave.
- Madison from Wabash to Michigan Ave.
- Michigan Ave. from Randolph to Monroe
- Garland from Randolph to Monroe