Illuminate 900 will feature lots of festive activities including appearances by ZZAZZ Productions' themed characters, BeatMix Music, dance numbers, fun for kids and more. (Ben Ramos Photography)

Illuminate 900 will feature lots of festive activities including appearances by ZZAZZ Productions' themed characters, BeatMix Music, dance numbers, fun for kids and more. (Ben Ramos Photography) 

Chicago’s holiday season will get a spectacular start on November 19 when 900 North Michigan Shops celebrates the 10th anniversary of Illuminate 900, its annual tree lighting extravaganza benefiting Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Santa with Make-a-Wish Illinois children and The Real Elf. (Photo by Alicia Fierro for Aesthetiica)

Santa with Make-a-Wish Illinois children and The Real Elf. (Photo by Alicia Fierro for Aesthetiica)
Billed as Chicago’s tallest indoor Christmas tree, the magnificent 54-foot evergreen will take center stage during the two-hour celebration, transforming all six levels of the luxury shopping destination into a festive winter wonderland. The evening’s most meaningful moment will come when Santa and a Make-A-Wish child join forces to flip the switch, illuminating the towering tree and officially kicking off the holiday season along Michigan Avenue.
The singing angel will perform at Illuminate 900 on Nov. 19. (Photo by Berlez)

The singing angel will perform at Illuminate 900 on Nov. 19. (Photo by Berlez)
The Nov. 19 celebration, taking place from 6 to 8 p.m., promises an impressive lineup of holiday entertainment, seasonal treats, cocktails and family-friendly activities. Among the highlights will be excerpts from the holiday ballet The Nutcracker, a special appearance by a real-life Elf on the Shelf, and a professionally trained, opera-singing angel performing beloved holiday classics.
Forward Momentum dance group performs at Illuminate 900. (Alicia Fierro photo)

Forward Momentum dance group performs at Illuminate 900. (Alicia Fierro photo)
A contemporary dance company will perform to one of the season’s top holiday dance tunes, while an urban drum corps brings its energetic marching and musical performances throughout the venue. Guests can also look forward to toy soldiers, fantastical holiday characters, a festive appearance by Santa and a sugar cookie decorating station for younger visitors.
The Tree Lighting 2025. (Photo by Berlez)

The Tree Lighting 2025. (Photo by Berlez)
Adding to the storybook atmosphere will be an array of theatrical holiday visuals and seasonal activations, with entertainment and surprises spread across all six levels of the shopping destination. Seasonal food and drinks will also be part of the festivities, with Four Seasons Hotel Chicago providing catering and Bacardi USA showcasing its portfolio of premium brands through an elevated cocktail experience.

The tree lighting is expected to take place at approximately 7:30 p.m., when Santa and a Make-A-Wish child will flip the switch to illuminate the towering tree, creating a memorable finale to the evening.

Read more on Chicago Star

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Illuminate 900 has become a beloved Chicago holiday tradition and the organization’s largest holiday fundraising event in the city. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois, helping grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical health challenges.

Tickets range from $5 to $35, with three levels of admission offering different guest experiences. The event takes place throughout 900 North Michigan Shops, the seven-level retail destination anchored by Bloomingdale’s and home to more than 70 retailers, along with the chef-driven Aster Hall food hall.

For tickets and additional information, visit shop900.com.

 

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