Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the annual tree lighting ceremony returns as a Holiday
Love Letter to the City of Chicago — a six-story celebration set within a luxe winter wonderland
featuring live performances, seasonal food and drink, and festive workshops.
900 North Michigan Shops will once again transform itself into a winter
wonderland as it hosts its annual tree lighting ceremony, Illuminate 900, on Thursday,
November 19th, 2026, from 6PM–8PM. Marking a decade of holiday tradition, the evening
showcases a full line-up of performances, seasonal activations for guests of all ages, and
delectable bites paired with seasonal cocktails.
The culmination of the storybook evening arrives when Santa and a Make-A-Wish child flip the
switch to illuminate the majestic 54-foot-tall Christmas tree — Chicago’s tallest indoor tree —
officially shining the first holiday lights on Michigan Avenue. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish
Illinois, helping grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical health challenges.
Illuminate 900 is the organization’s largest holiday fundraising event in Chicago, underscoring
the meaningful impact of this beloved tradition.
Click here to see just how magical it is.
Event Highlights Include:
• Excerpts from the holiday ballet performance of The Nutcracker
• Photo opportunities with a real-life Elf on the Shelf
• Professionally trained, opera-singing angel performing holiday classics
• Contemporary dance company performing to the season’s top holiday dance tune
• Urban drum corps marching and performing throughout the venue
• Sugar cookie decorating station for kids
• Costumed holiday characters — including Santa himself
WHERE: Festivities take place across all six levels of 900 North Michigan Shops, the iconic
anchor of Michigan Avenue.
WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 2026 — 6PM–8PM. The actual flipping of the switch to light
the tree is slated to take place at approximately 7:30PM.
TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets available here at three different levels based on desired guest
experience, with prices ranging from $5 to $35. Proceeds to benefit Make-A-Wish® Illinois.
SPONSOR INFORMATION: Bacardi USA will be offering guests an elevated cocktail experience
by enlisting its portfolio of premium brands, and Four Seasons Hotel Chicago will be catering the
event.
About 900 North Michigan Shops
An iconic anchor of the Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast, 900 North Michigan Shops is an
architecturally stunning 465,000-square-foot, seven-level experiential retail destination in the
heart of Chicago. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, 900 North Michigan Shops features more than
70 luxe retailers, including a two-level Gucci, Janet Mandell, MaxMara, L’ AGENCE, Brooks
Brothers, BONOBOS, and Aritzia. A 22,000-square-foot, chef-driven food hall, Aster Hall, offers
guests a variety of dining options and handcrafted cocktails. And Topgolf Swing Suite offer
guests simulated sports gaming experiences in an inviting lounge setting. 900 North Michigan
Shops is owned by an affiliate of JMB Realty Corporation. Real-time updates available on
Instagram and Facebook, or visit www.shop900.com.
