City of Chicago, IL
12/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/13/2024 12:55
Chicago Holiday Festivities in Full Swing at Millennium Park
CHICAGO-More than 100,000 people have already enjoyed the stunning holiday displays at Millennium Park, including the beloved Chicago Christmas Tree, which sparkles with 70,000 dazzling LED lights and 35,000 feet of lights. The tree, a centerpiece of the holiday season, will remain illuminated until January 8 at 11 p.m., bringing festive cheer to Chicagoans and visitors alike.
"The holiday season at Millennium Park is a true celebration of tradition, community and joy. It's heartwarming to see so many people from near and far coming together to create lasting memories and share in the magic of this special time of year," said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. "With so much still in store, we invite everyone to join us for more holiday cheer and family-friendly festivities throughout the season."
Visitors have the opportunity to ice skate at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which is presented by Discover Financial Services®. The rink opened on November 15 and will remain open through February 2, weather permitting. Admission is free, with reservations required for each 90-minute skating session, which runs from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
"Discover believes creating memorable moments should be especially for everyone. Supporting holiday traditions at Millennium Park, like skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, provides everyone in our community an enjoyable way to come together to celebrate the season," said Jennifer Murillo, Chief Marketing Officer at Discover. "As we gear up for the 2025 Discover NHL Winter Classic, our ongoing partnerships highlight our commitment to ensuring that fans, from Chicago and beyond, can experience the excitement and joy of these iconic events."
In addition to the daily skate sessions, free ice-skating lessons are offered from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. These lessons are made possible by the McDonald's Active Lifestyles Endowment and provided by the Chicago Youth Foundation. They offer a unique opportunity for skaters of all skill levels to learn and enjoy the rink in a welcoming environment. Refer to MillenniumPark.org for hours of operation, lesson details, and to reserve skate times.
The Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along invites both Chicagoans and visitors to join in festive song and celebrate the city's rich holiday traditions. Taking place at 6 p.m. on Fridays from December 6 to December 20, this joyful event is held at Cloud Gate (The Bean) and is brought to life by the Millennium Park Foundation, with generous support from the Pritzker Foundation.
Holiday Sing-Along Schedule (subject to change):
Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m.: Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC)
Friday, December 13 at 6 p.m.: Leo High School
Friday, December 20 at 6 p.m.: Chicago Chamber Choir
Millennium Park's holiday programs are produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, with sponsorship from Discover Financial Services®, Powering Chicago IBEW 134/NECA, the Chicago Transit Authority, and Millennium Garages. Additional support is provided by the Millennium Park Foundation.
For more holiday fun, head across the street to the Chicago Cultural Center for the final Open House of the season on December 21, from 1 to 6 p.m. This festive event, celebrating Intergenerational Cultural Fun, offers activities for all ages, including puppetry, collage-making, music and dance performances by local youth groups, Neighborhood Cultural Spotlights, interactive sessions with Learning Lab Resident artists, short films, and even a little magic.
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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.
Discover Financial Services
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover® card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its banking business. It operates the Discover® Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchants and cash access locations; PULSE®, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International®, a global payments network with acceptance around the world. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.