The 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square will be wrapped with thousands of lights.

Michigan Avenue got a whole lot merrier on Friday night. Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the onstage VIPs as thousands of gathered onlookers stood shoulder to shoulder in crowds that stretched down Michigan Avenue at Millennium Park for the lighting of Chicago’s official Christmas tree.

Chicago's Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place Friday, marking the unofficial start to the holiday season as seasonal events kick off throughout the city. Here's what to know about this year's tree: The tree will remain lit through Jan. 8 ...