Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park at Randolph and Michigan Aves. is November 16 at 6pm featuring the tree lighting, Santa Claus and live music. Actor Miguel Cervantes – Alexander Hamilton in Chicago’s Hamilton will serve as emcess with music and special guests.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink also will open Nov. 16 at 12 noon, with skating continuing through mid-March 2019. Free; skate rental is $13 Monday to Thursday and $15 weekends and holidays. Plus there’s more skating across the bridge at the Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park (hours and more at millenniumpark.org).
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 17 on N. Michigan Avenue): The 27th annual tree-lighting parade has Mickey and Minnie Mouse as grand marshals and transforms Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River for the holiday shopping season. Concluding with fireworks over the river.
