Where to See Chicago’s Best Christmas Decorations in 2024

Some of these trees and more are on the Museum of Illusions’ Chicago Christmas Tree Adventure 2024. This free experience takes you to eight of downtown’s most beautifully decorated trees that are available for public viewing. Those who complete the tour will receive a coupon for 10% off admission to the Museum of Illusions, one of the most fun and whimsical experiences in town.

By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago)

Most of what I write on this blog are Chicago stories—the people that helped build Chicago, its traditions, and the well- and lesser-known places for visitors to explore. But as I started work on this article and searched for an appropriate angle—beyond “You can find a tree here…and here…and here”—I realized how much what I was doing reflected my own Chicago story.

I moved to Chicago in mid-November 2008. I spent much of those first few weeks figuring my way around, exploring the many neighborhoods to get a feel for the city and discover which best suited my interests. I often gravitated towards downtown, where Christmas was in full swing. I’d walk the Magnificent Mile, with the planters festively decorated and the trees all lit up. Or I’d head to State Street and go to Marshall Field’s, see the famous bugles and the window displays, then go up to the Walnut Room and stare at the tree. I discovered the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. When I wanted to warm up, I’d duck into a hotel and admire how the lobbies were decked out.

I don’t want to sound corny and say that it felt like Chicago was welcoming its newest resident with open arms, but it felt special to be suddenly thrust into a place so suffused with holiday spirit after 15 years in Washington, D.C., which is a wonderful place to live, but too buttoned-down at Christmastime. I knew I had made the right choice.

Since then, it’s become a tradition every December for me to see the current decorations, and I’m going to take you on this year’s journey. It’s best to begin about an hour before sundown as the city moves from day to night. Start at The Drake at the top of Michigan Ave, where Nutcracker drummers lead you up to the lobby tree. Behind it is a gingerbread village with the venerable hotel acting as a castle standing watch over its subjects.

Although it’s towards the back of the building and on the second floor, the awe-inspiring tree inside the 900 North Michigan Shops can be spotted from the street, rising nearly three stories.  Cross again to the former John Hancock Center, admire the tree in the plaza, but also go inside, where you’ll see various forms of transportation (and a few dogs) trudging through the snow to deliver gifts.

Closer to the Chicago River, a tree greets you as you enter the lobby of the InterContinental Chicago, and you soon realize that the banister and railing are also decorated with garlands. Sandwiched between the Tribune Tower and the Apple Store, Pioneer Court’s tree is all in white light, with lavender ornaments and snowflakes in front. Across the street, the red and green colors of Christmas perfectly accent the gleaming white of the Wrigley Building, and the tree in the path between the original building and the 1924 addition is topped with bows on two sides for ideal picture-taking. 

Cross the river to the east tower of the Hyatt Regency, where the staircase leading up to its tree features Santa Claus wishing you “Happy Holidays.” On your way out, admire the larger display with about 10 smaller trees just off the main entrance. As you return toward Michigan Ave., stop to check out the silver-and-red tree in the window of the Chicago Architecture Center. Follow Wacker Dr. into the LondonHouse. Under a gorgeous chandelier at the end of the elevator bank stands a classically decorated tree, and a more modern-looking one is in the second-floor lobby.

Fill up with a bratwurst and some gluhwein or hot chocolate at the Christkindlmarket before going to the Walnut Room at Marshall Field’s. Once again, the city’s official Christmas tree is at the Washington St. entrance to Millennium Park, and this year’s is a 53’8” Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square. Next stop is the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, where the Drawing Room on the second floor has a tree near one of the fireplaces for an intimate, homey feel in the heart of a metropolis. 

From there, visit the Palmer House, which has, typically, outdone itself with its lobby tree. Then, return to Michigan Ave. and see the wreath-adorned lions at the Art Institute of Chicago. The penultimate stop is the Blackstone, whose tree is a stunning vision in white. We conclude at the Chicago Hilton, which brings the tour full circle, because, like the Drake, it has both a tree and a gingerbread display. But this depicts the Chicago skyline, with landmarks like the Sears Tower, Soldier Field, Buckingham Fountain and, of course, the hotel, made with 380 lbs. of flour, 280 lbs. of powdered sugar, 40 lbs. of egg whites, 16 lbs. of ginger, and 12 lbs. of cinnamon.

All of us at eATLAS wish you a happy holiday season and hope that your 2025 is filled with plenty of exciting adventures!