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

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Illuminate 900 returns on Thursday, November 19th, and promises to be the most magical kickoff to the holidays! 900 Shops converts into a winter wonderland as it hosts an evening of spectacular holiday performances, seasonal activations for the whole family, and sumptuous fare while holiday revelers await the arrival of Santa himself to light the majestic 50ft. tall tree!

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!