Nov. 05--Chicago has officially selected its Christmas tree for the upcoming holiday season.
The city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced Wednesday it had selected a 57-foot Colorado blue spruce for its annual tree to be displayed on Daley Plaza.
The tree will be donated by the Atkinson family of Elgin. Donna Atkinson had nominated the towering tree for the past three years, and it had always been a runner-up, according to city officials. This year, Atkinson's tree was chosen from among 80 submissions from Chicagoland residents.
"The third time wasn't the charm, but maybe the fourth will be," Atkinson said in a statement. "My friends and family are looking forward to celebrating in Chicago. I'm ready to flip the switch!"
The 101st annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is set to take place at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25. The ceremony will feature live performances by Dee Snider, Hansel and Gretel and the Grinch, according to a statement from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Admission to the ceremony is free.
