Hotels near Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park

The City of Chicago's official Christmas tree stands in Millennium Park each holiday season, and its lighting ceremony in late November is one of the city's big festive events. The tree is set near Cloud Gate, the mirrored sculpture locals call The Bean, which reflects the lights and the skyline.

Millennium Park is free to visit year-round, and in winter it also hosts the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in front of the Bean, one of the most popular places to skate in the city. The exact date of the 2026 tree lighting had not been announced at the time of writing.

The park is a short walk from both Daley Plaza and Maggie Daley Park, so it fits easily into a day in the Loop.

Pro Tip: Visit after dark to see the tree and the city lights reflected in Cloud Gate. Check the City of Chicago's events calendar for the 2026 tree lighting date, as the ceremony draws large crowds.