Chicago lights up Christmas tree in Millennium Park
CHICAGO (CBS) — Millennium Park kicked off the holiday season, lighting up the city's official Christmas tree on Friday, bathing Michigan Avenue in the glow of 50,000 lights, and CBS News Chicago proudly led the festivities.
Anchors Joe Donlon and Irika Sargent helped flip the switch as the 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square was lit up Friday night. The tree was planted 50 years ago by the home's previous owner, Jim Mulligan, who also worked for the city.
Four-year-old Imani Bale was among the crowd at Millennium Park, enjoying her first Christmas in Chicago with her mother, Keshia Menga.
"It feels good, yeah. You know, the Christmas vibes, the music, the people," Menga said.
In addition to the Christmas tree, a Hawaiian holiday-themed tent featuring dozens of local vendors will be set up for the Millennium Park Holiday Market, which is available this weekend only.
The ice skating is back and will be open through Feb 2.
One couple, who were getting into the holiday spirit ahead of the crowds, said the rink is their favorite because of the view of Cloud Gate, the iconic reflective sculpture more popularly known as The Bean.
"It's just what Chicago needs every year, like everything that happens in Chicago. Everyone can come together and see the lighting on the tree," Ja'Nya Wilkes said.
"Chicago during Christmas time is amazing," Keaon Timmons said. "A lot of people come out from all types of places. They see the traditions that we have like putting up the tree, the annual tree lighting—all the different places that host hot chocolate fest or something like that. Just it's an amazing time to be out with your family."
Christkindlmarket opens Friday
After the lighting ceremony, attendees looking to continue the holiday festivities can head to the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza for its opening day.
The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 24.
Nicholas Wendler, from Germany, is in America for the first time, working the Christkindlmarket
"I'm really impressed how many people know about these things. It seems like our culture just found love here," he said.
On the first day of the city's annual Christmas market at Daley Plaza, there's already a popular item for customers.
"I would say it's Mr. Drosselmeyer, and that's really impressive. I have not met him before," Wendler said.
Mr. Drosselmeyer is the uncle of the Nutcracker Prince, but he's not the only item at the Fehrenbach booth at Christkindlmarket. There are also cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest of Germany, and that's not all.
"The nutcrackers crack the nuts, the smokers just smoke, and the pyramids, they rotate and turn and make a living room even more comfy," Wendler said.
Although it's just day one, Wendler said he's happy to be sharing his love for the Christmas culture with Americans.
"I love to share this Christmas culture with you because I really love it to be in all of this at home. So it's great to have it here," he said.
Christkindlmarket also has a location in west suburban Aurora, which is open Thursdays through Sundays: Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., with some special hours on Thanksgiving Day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Dec. 16-18 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Dec. 23 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and Christmas Eve (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).