The De La Cruz family with the 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce that will light up Millennium Park this holiday season. (Courtesy De La Cruz family; City of Chicago)

Chicago put out a call for the city’s official Christmas tree back in September and the De La Cruz family of Darien answered with their 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce.

The tree will arrive at Millennium Park on Monday and will take centerstage during an official tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. 

The ceremony will mark the kick off to Chicago’s holiday event calendar, followed by the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on Nov. 18.

Holiday happenings in Millennium Park will also include:

— skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink opening Nov. 17 (weather permitting).

— a holiday art market, Nov. 17-19.

— a holiday sing-along on Fridays in December at 6 p.m., through Dec. 15. 

The tree will remain lit through Jan. 7, at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]