Macy’s State Street celebrates 119 years of holiday magic with Great Tree Lighting

I swear I could smell the pine trees the moment I walked into the Walnut Room at Macy’s State Street for its 119th Great Tree Lighting on the morning of Nov. 17. The historic dining room was packed with diners and onlookers, all eager to catch a glimpse of one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions and the first major tree lighting of the season.

Standing 45 feet tall, this year’s tree was nothing short of majestic. The theme, “There’s Magic in Being Together,” brought together the best of both Macy’s and Marshall Field’s holiday traditions, with two familiar characters sharing the spotlight. Freddie Field Mouse, who moved into Marshall Field’s Cozy Cloud Cottage in 1973 alongside Uncle Mistletoe, was joined by Macy’s newest character, Billy Brightpaw. The bear represents the wonder within all of us, along with kindness, joy and the spirit of giving.

True to the season, Macy’s also put the spotlight on three charitable organizations: Ronald McDonald House, Blue Star Families and Foster Love. Shoppers can support all three through Macy’s in-store round-up program.

The festivities began with carolers, followed by remarks from Matt Sarosy, Macy’s State Street store manager, and Lauren Biedron, Ronald McDonald House global chief philanthropy officer. This year’s ambassadors, the Klenda family, joined Santa onstage to illuminate the tree. Their appearance carried special meaning: young Bennett Klenda had battled a brain tumor, and his family found comfort, support and care at a nearby Ronald McDonald House.

Inside the Walnut Room, the holiday magic extended to every table, with fairy godmothers and festive characters delighting the younger guests while their parents enjoyed some of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including Mrs. Hering’s Original Chicken Pot Pie, peach nest basket salad, Mandarin chicken salad, classic meatloaf and Frango Mint chocolate cheesecake.

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Paul Anthony (Lopacinski), Macy’s senior manager of special productions, and his team once again delivered a memorable celebration. Anthony told Chicago Star that this year’s theme was inspired by the beauty of snowflakes and the idea that, while each is unique, they come together to create something beautiful. Diversity, individuality and togetherness were at the heart of the presentation.

For Anthony, the annual tradition is especially personal. A South Side Chicago native, he remembers coming downtown with his family for the tree lighting and holiday festivities as a child. Although he no longer lives in Chicago, returning for the event gives him a wonderful sense of being home and officially ushers in his favorite time of year.

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The holiday spirit continued throughout the store, where shoppers were serenaded by live piano music in the 28 Shop, treated to complimentary Frango chocolates and surrounded by holiday music on every floor. The Christmas Shop was positively sparkling, with an abundance of new decorations and gifts carrying both Macy’s and Marshall Field’s branding.

All in all, this was one of my favorite Macy's tree lightings, although I've loved them all. I have to admit, seeing Macy’s embrace more of its Marshall Field’s legacy makes me smile from ear to ear. I love them both, and I’m delighted to see these two Chicago holiday traditions under the same roof.

Here’s to the holidays! The Great Tree will remain on display through Jan. 17 in Marshall Field’s Walnut Room.