Chicago holiday festivities kick off with tree lighting, Christkindlmarket opening on Friday
Chicago's official Christmas tree is glowing bright with 119,000 lights in Millennium Park.
Anchors Joe Donlon and Irika Sargent helped flip the switch as the 68-foot Norway spruce donated by the Mason family in Glenview was lit up Friday night. The tree is now the largest Christmas tree in the city's history.
Homeowners Ryan and Jody Mason said the tree has to come down because its roots are causing problems with the foundation of their house, and they are going to be doing some renovations to their house soon. They figured as long as the tree had to come down, they might as well apply to the Chicago Christmas tree contest rather than just having the tree chopped up for firewood..
Meanwhile, the Masons are trying to keep part of the tree alive. Jody Mason's father owns a tree farm in Indiana.
"We're going to take the pinecones and plant them in my grandpa's tree farm," said the Masons' 8-year-old son, Lucas.
It was an absolutely packed night downtown, with thousands crowding sidewalks in the Loop for the Christmas tree lighting and the opening of Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.
For many in Chicago, these events are family traditions that kick off the holiday season.
The ice skating rink at Millennium Park also has opened for the season. Jean Suarez, from Lincoln Square, has made it a tradition to be out on the ice at Millennium Park as soon as the Zamboni smooths the surface.
"Just having peace and joy in the fits in ways that we can do it, it's so important to recognize what we're grateful for; the small things like today, being on the ice in the sun, and it's not below zero," Juarez said.
The holiday market at Millennium Park is free and open to the public all weekend. It's open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
"To have over 40 vendors at the holiday market here in Millennium Park on the north promenade, they represent different businesses across our 77 neighborhoods in Chicago, and it's a true representation of what Chicago is," said Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events acting Commissioner Kenya Merritt.
Christkindlmarket now open for holiday season
Chicago's Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza also opened for the holiday season on Friday.
For Jodi Herrington, it's her first scoop of roasted nuts that gets her in the spirit at Christkindlmarket.
"Smells are free. That's what we tell everybody, and we all smell so good, everyone wants to sit next to us on the train on the way home," she said.
Her seasonal job at Sweet Swabian Nuthouse runs in the family.
"I'm very good at it. Not my first day at the nut house," she said. "My older son will be here tomorrow, too. I got them all scooping. Nepotism at the nuthouse runs deep."
Christkindlmarket is tradition for vendors and visitors.
Jenny and Michael Matta make it to opening day every year with Ellie the poodle, who was decked out in a Christmas sweater.
"We've been here even in rain," Michael said.
"Yeah, pouring rain a few years ago," Jenny said.
They like to share mulled wine with a side of pancakes and a brat.
The German-themed Christmas 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.
Enjoy the market's iconic German hot spiced wine, beer and pretzels while shopping for homemade holiday gifts. A full list of vendors can be found on the Christkindlmarket website.
Aurora's Christkindlmarket also opens at 11 a.m. The Wrigleyville location opens on Sunday.