Michigan Avenue got a whole lot merrier on Friday night. Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the onstage VIPs as thousands of gathered onlookers stood shoulder to shoulder in crowds that stretched down Michigan Avenue at Millennium Park for the lighting of Chicago’s official Christmas tree.

The 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square will be wrapped with thousands of lights.

COOK COUNTY - Chicago ’s cherished holiday tradition, the Christkindlmarket, is back for the season, offering locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the holidays with German-inspired festivities. The market, which opened this week, is operating at two locations: Daley Plaza in Chicago and River Edge Park in Aurora.