Chicago is ready to flip the switch. You’ll hear oohs and aahs when streets, shopping centers and parks light up for the holidays — and you can be there when it happens. If you can’t make the kick-off ceremonies, don’t worry: these hotspots will stay brilliantly lit through the end of December. Click through our guide to the best and brightest.

City of Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Chicago’s 102nd Christmas tree will be twinkling in Millennium Park, only two blocks from its original location over a century ago. The 63-foot-tall Colorado Blue Spruce will now be a quick stroll from ice-skating, caroling at Cloud Gate and exploring Maggie Daily Park.

Nov. 24
Live entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m.; tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Millennium Park
Michigan Ave. & Washington St.
Downtown
Online: cityofchicago.org

Photo: Daniel X O'Neil via flickr

Where will you go to see holiday lights this year? Let us know in the Comments section!

— Lisa Snart & Kelly Aiglon

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