Watch Replay of Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

CHICAGO, IL — The city's 103rd anniversary Christmas tree lighting ceremony is set for Friday night at Millennium Park, and Patch will be live-streaming the event so readers can watch it as it happens even if they can't get downtown.

The festivities began at 6 p.m., and the actual tree lighting was at 6:30 p.m. Before that, Patch's Patrick Martin spoke with organizers and the Scholla family from Wauconda who donated this year's tree.

The first interview of the night was with Erin Bauer, one of the city's event organizers:

Bill Scholla also talked about donating this year's tree to the city. He threw the switch that lights the tree:

WATCH the lighting of Chicago's Christmas tree from Millennium Park:

Go to Patch's Facebook page to see more footage from Friday's event, including some of the musical performances.

Plus, check out Patch's story about the tree lighting with facts about the event and this year's tree. You also can read our coverage of this year's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade, as well as other holiday celebrations planned around the Chicago area.

UPDATED (6:24 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18)

More Patch Holiday Stories

• Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: When to See It and Where to Go
• Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade: When It Starts and Where to Go
• Chicago Area Holiday Lights Displays Opening This Weekend, With More Coming Soon

The lights on Chicago's 2016 Chirstmas tree in Millennium Park wait to be turned on as crowds gather to watch the 103rd anniversary lighting ceremony Friday, Nov. 18. (photo by Patrick Martin)

Chicago's 2016 Christmas tree in Millennium Park (photo by Millennium Park | City of Chicago)

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