Where to Eat During the Millennium Park Tree Lighting Festival

Celebrate Chicago’s Brightest Night at Millennium Hall.

The holidays in Chicago officially begin with the Millennium Park Tree Lighting Ceremony, a night when the city sparkles to life with lights, live music, and festive cheer. This year, the excitement is even greater: the official city tree for 2025 is a 68-foot Norway spruce donated by a family from Glenview. It is one of the largest Christmas trees in Chicago’s history and a beautiful symbol of community and tradition.

As crowds gather to see the towering tree illuminate the skyline, Millennium Hall is the perfect place to dine, drink, and warm up before or after the celebration.

Located right inside Millennium Park, just steps from Cloud Gate (The Bean), Millennium Hall offers an experience unlike any other restaurant in downtown Chicago. Whether you are meeting friends for a pre-lighting dinner or stopping in for cocktails after the ceremony, you will be surrounded by the spirit of the season.

A Front Row Seat to the Holiday Magic at Millennium Park Tree Lighting Festival

If you are searching for restaurants near Millennium Park, you can stop looking. Millennium Hall is located directly inside the park, making it the most convenient dining destination for anyone attending the tree lighting or nearby holiday festivities.

Here is what makes this year’s event especially exciting:

• The 2025 Christmas tree is a 68-foot Norway spruce from Glenview, Illinois, making it one of the tallest trees in city history.

• The tree will remain on display through early January, offering visitors a reason to return to the park throughout the season.

• Millennium Hall’s central location means you are steps away from the main stage, the tree, ice skating, and all of the holiday magic.

Inside, you will find a warm and festive dining room serving elevated Chicago comfort food, local craft beers from Double Clutch Brewing Company, and seasonal cocktails. From shareable starters to hearty entrées, our menu adds a modern twist to classic favorites, all with a view of the park’s winter glow.

Plan Your Perfect Evening in Millennium Park

Here is how to make the most of Chicago’s most festive evening:

1. Arrive early and enjoy dinner at Millennium Hall before the ceremony begins.

2. Walk right out into the park to see the city’s Christmas tree light up the night sky.

3. Warm up afterward with dessert, hot cocktails, or another round at the bar as the park glows with holiday lights.

With the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, Cloud Gate, and the city’s Christmas lights all within a short walk, Millennium Hall is your ideal home base for holiday dining in downtown Chicago.

Celebrate the Holidays in the Heart of Chicago

Whether you are visiting from the suburbs or celebrating a local tradition, Millennium Hall makes it easy to enjoy the holidays in style. Cozy up with friends, toast to the season, and experience why Millennium Hall is the go-to restaurant in Millennium Park for locals and visitors alike.

Reserve your table early. The Tree Lighting Festival is one of the most popular events of the year, and with this year’s record-breaking tree, the excitement will be even higher.

Millennium Hall is located at 11 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602