Illuminate 900: Holiday Tree Lighting Benefiting Make-A-Wish Illinois
Guests enter a winter wonderland filled with holiday performances from Chicago arts organizations, costumed dancers, choirs, musicians, and a live DJ. Family activities include sugar cookie decorating, a musical play land, photo opportunities, and seasonal fare with holiday cocktails. The celebration culminates when Santa arrives alongside a Make-A-Wish child to flip a giant switch and illuminate thousands of white lights on a 50-foot tree.
Thu, Nov 19, 2026 All ages
See more Christmas lights near Chicago
Plan Your Visit
Hours
6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Neighborhood
Magnificent Mile
Food & Drink
The event offers sumptuous fare and holiday cocktails.
Parking
The venue's parking garage is at 911 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets ahead through the event's ticket link, because this is a one-evening ticketed event benefiting Make-A-Wish Illinois.
- Reserve a spot in the 900 Shops garage on Rush Street ahead of time so you aren't hunting for parking on Michigan Avenue.
- Stay for the end of the evening, when Santa and a Make-A-Wish child flip the switch to light the 50-foot tree.
- Bring the kids early enough to decorate sugar cookies, explore the musical play land and grab photos before the tree lighting.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illuminate 900 good for kids?
Yes, it's meant for the whole family. Kids can decorate sugar cookies, play in a musical play land and pose at photo spots.
What kind of entertainment is there?
Chicago arts organizations put on holiday performances, and costumed dancers and holiday characters fill the atrium. Musicians, choirs and a live DJ provide the music.
Is there food and drink?
Yes, there's food along with holiday cocktails.
Where do I park?
The 900 Shops parking garage is at 911 N Rush St, and you can reserve parking ahead.
What's the big moment of the night?
Santa arrives with a Make-A-Wish child and flips the giant switch that lights thousands of white lights on the 50-foot tree.
Browse Christmas in Chicago
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.