City’s official Christmas tree lights up Millennium Park

Thousands of revelers take in the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree in Millennium Park on Friday night as fireworks erupt over the Chicago Cultural Center. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

Let there be lights. And ornaments. And fireworks.

Chicago’s holiday season is now open, following Friday night’s lighting of the City’s official Christmas tree in Millennium Park.

Thousands of revelers turned out for the annual ceremony that combines holiday fun and fireworks at Washington and Michigan.

This year’s tree (the city’s 110th) — a 45-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce — was donated by the De La Cruz family of southwest suburban Darien. Abby De La Cruz and her parents, Zenaida and Efren, entered an area-wide contest earlier this fall to determine whose tree would make its home in Millennium Park for the holiday season.

Chicago’s official Christmas tree in Millennium Park glistens as more than 60,000 LED lights illuminate the 45-foot tall Colorado Blue Spruce. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

The family was on hand Friday night, joining Mayor Brandon Johnson as the official on-switch was pushed, illuminating more than 60,000 LED lights on the massive tree and signaling the start of fireworks high over the rooftops of nearby Loop buildings.

In an interview with the Sun-Times earlier this month, family members said the tree was “a gift to the city” in gratitude to the place they’ve called home since the early 1970s, when they left the Philippines for a better life.

Abby De La Cruz (left) and her parents, Zenaida and Efren, of Darien, stand in front of a Colorado Blue Spruce tree in front of their home. The tree — now fully decorated — stands in Millennium Park as the city’s official Christmas tree. The family donated the tree to the city following the outcome of an area-wide contest earlier this month. (Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times)

Entertainment at Friday’s event included performances by cast members from “Boop! The Musical,” and Chicago Dance Crash.

Also opening Friday night was the McCormick Ice Rink, just adjacent to the holiday tree court. Admission to the rink is free, but time-stamped tickets, available online, are required. Rates for skate rentals: $16 Monday through Thursday; $20 Friday through Sunday, and on holidays. Locker rental is $2. The rink remains open through March 3.

Skating fans enjoy opening night of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park on Friday night. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

Here’s a look at more of the festivities fun:

The De La Cruz family — including Autumn (from left), Zenaida, Efren and Abby — speaks to reporters on Friday night in Millennium Park about what it meant to donate their Colorado Blue Spruce to be Chicago’s Christmas tree. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

Skating fans of all ages — and skill levels — enjoy a spin around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park on Friday. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park opened Friday, the day of the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting in the park. Admission to the rink is free, but time-stamped tickets, available online, are required. Skates are available to rent. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

A giant star sits atop the city’s official Christmas tree in Millennium Park on Friday night. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

Skating season arrived at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park on Friday. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

A girl gets a little help removing her skating gear after trying out the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. The rink opened for the season Friday, ahead of the 110th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony later that night. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

Thousands of attendees with cellphones in hand prepare to capture the 110th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday night at Millennium Park. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

Chicago’s holiday season is heralded by the illuminated Christmas tree in Millennium Park. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

Fireworks light up the night sky over the Chicago Cultural Center as thousands watch the City’s official Christmas tree light up Millennium Park. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)