llluminate 900: Holiday Tree Lighting Benefiting Make-A-Wish® Illinois 2026

About this event The evening will be stacked with delightful holiday performances from some of Chicago’s finest arts organizations. Everything from sugar cookie decorating to a musical play land, to dreamy photo opportunities will delight the young and young-at-heart! Costumed dancers and holiday characters will fill the bedecked atrium with the holiday spirit while echoes of musicians, choirs, and a live DJ provide the seasonal soundtrack. Sumptuous fare and holiday cocktails will be savored in a wondrous setting fashioned of designer décor and ambient lighting intended to transport guests to a veritable winter wonderland. The highlight of the evening will be when Santa and a Make-A-Wish child arrive to shine the first holiday lights on Michigan Avenue. It’s then that jolly St. Nick flips the giant switch to illuminate the thousands of white lights strewn about the towering, holiday tree! Mark your calendars now for a magical night that will leave you feeling the spirit of Christmas once more! Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish® of Illinois.