Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Festivities at Daley Plaza

The City of Chicago is officially kicking off the 2010 Christmas holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony at Daley Plaza on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving November 24, 2010. After the Christmas Tree lights are switched on, Santa's House and the German Christkindlmarkt open for the evening. I try to visit the German Market every year, as I love the Old World traditions and crafts that are imported to Chicago.

On the day before Thanksgiving, Mayor Daley and other city officials officiate over the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree lighting is held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with a musical program. A crowd gathers in anticipation for the grand opening of the Many of the people in the crowd have attended the annual event since childhood and view it as a cherished holiday tradition.

The Christmas Tree lights are switched on at 5:00 p.m. and Santa's House and the German Christmas Market open for the season. Santa's House and the Christmas Market are open for special hours on Wednesday night and on Thanksgiving Day. The holiday attractions on Daley Plaza open for their regular seasonal schedule starting on Friday, November 26, 2010.

Santa's House, sponsored by Underwriter's Laboratory, allows children and families to experience the magic of the North Pole. Children get to give Santa their wish list and have their pictures taken with Santa. The all-new Santa House will also feature a Santa's workshop. Santa will be available for photos. You can take photos of Santa with your personal camera. Underwriters Laboratories will also be offering free photos.

2010 marks th e15th anniversary of the German Christkindlmarkt, or German Christmas Market. Covered wooden stalls are lined up in Daley Plaza. Vendors travel from Germany to recreate the famous Nurnberg Christmas Market in Chicago. The booths are filled with unique arts and crafts from Germany, such as wood carvings, lace, blown glass ornaments and vases, Christmas treats and more. The market is a great place to find European gifts for friends and family. Food booths sizzle with the fragrant aroma of sausages and spiced nuts. Warm gluhwein and cold beer. The market is an enjoyable place to browse and take in the holiday cheer

Santa'a House and German Christmas Market Hours

Santa House and Santa's Workshop are open on Wednesday, November 24 (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.); Thanksgiving Day (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m). Santa's House and Workshop are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Friday, November 26 through December 19 (11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.). During l Christmas week, December 20-24, the house will be open from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The German Christkindlmarkt is open November 24 - December 24, 2010. House are Sunday - Thursday (11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m) and Friday & Saturday (11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.). The market is open for special hours on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.).

Admission to the Christmas events on Daley Plaza is free. Daley Plaza is in the Chicago Loop, between Dearborn, Washington and Clark Street.

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