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.

The official Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting for 2024 takes place during a ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. The tree -- a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Hodlen-Shaddick family, of Logan Square -- will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through Jan. 8, according to the city's website.