Today, the city of Chicago unveiled its choice for the 110th annual Christmas tree—a generous donation of a stunning 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce by the De La Cruz family from Darien, Illinois. The selection marks another year of Chicago's traditional transformation of Millennium Park into a delightful wintry spectacle.
As per the report by ABC7 Chicago, the De La Cruz tree was among the favorites after Abby De La Cruz famously wrote a letter nominating their tree and sharing their inspirational immigrant journey. Abby's parents, Filipino immigrants working in healthcare, built their American Dream in Chicago, upholding their festive traditions by ornamenting this tree annually for holiday seasons.
Although it was bittersweet for the De La Cruz family to part with their beloved tree, they were thrilled to give it to the city they adore for spreading holiday cheer. Amid intense competition featuring 100 candidates coming from within 50 miles of Chicago's Loop, the city aimed to select a tree at least 45 feet tall, preferably a Norway Spruce or Fir Tree because of its durability. This information was shared by NBC Chicago.
The chosen tree serves as a reminder of unity and the joy that small things like twinkling lights can bring. Neil Heitz, director of production for the city of Chicago, conveyed in an ABC7 Chicago report, "I feel so honored that the city and that everybody is still so excited to do this and have this moment. In the times that we are in, having these bright moments are really important for our community."
The tree will be relocated from the De La Cruz property to Millennium Park on November 6. The lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on November 17 will feature a burst of fireworks along with performances from a variety of artists including DJ TREW, Meagan McNeal, Broadway in Chicago's Betty Boop, Chicago Dance Crash, Puerto Rican artists Emma Colon Zayas, Maribel Delgado, Fabiola Mendez, and singer Celenia Sanchez Mata. A special guest appearance by Santa and Mrs. Laura Lynn Claus is also planned.
Reported by ABC7 Chicago, Darien's Mayor, Joseph Marchese, revealed plans to present the De La Cruz family with a new tree of their choosing to replace the one they've given. A clear reminder that the festive spirit of the city extends beyond the twinkling trees and fireworks, encapsulating giving and the unexpected stories that are woven into its longstanding Christmas tree tradition.
