The City of Chicago is looking for a tree to grace Millennium Park this holiday season and serve as the City’s “official” Christmas tree. Through October 19, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will accept tree nominations from the Chicagoland area. The family of the selected tree will get the opportunity to “flip the switch” and light the tree at the 105th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 16th in Millennium Park. In order to secure the perfect tree, all trees nominated must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 55 feet or taller;

Be located less than 100 miles from Chicago’s Loop;

AND preferably, be a Spruce or Fir Tree. Pine trees are ineligible; they are not sturdy enough.

Trees that do not meet the criteria will not be considered. All submissions need to include: the owner(s) name, address, phone and email; at least two photographs (one from afar and one up close); and a brief description of why the tree should be Chicago’s official Christmas Tree including any background information on the tree that makes it special. Trees can be nominated via email to DCASE@cityofchicago.org or by mail to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, ATTN: Christmas Tree Contest, 78 E. Washington Street, Chicago, IL. 60602 (must be received by October 19). The selected tree will be announced in early November. For complete details, please visit cityofchicago.org/dcase.