Chicago Christmas tree officially lit

On Friday, rain forced a change of plans for a big city event: the lighting of Chicago’s Christmas tree.

It was one of several events kicking off the holiday season

The 30-minute tree lighting ceremony was condensed to about five minutes because of the rain, thunder and lightning. But for Chicagoans and tourists, it didn't stop them from enjoying a kickoff to the holiday season. 

The 62-foot-tall Christmas tree is now lighting up Millennium Park and already spreading holiday cheer. 

The crowds, cuddling under their umbrellas, didn't mind the damp weather and were just excited to take in the 104th tree lighting ceremony. 

In the crowd was Darlene Dorfler of Grayslake who donated the tree this fall. Her late husband used to adore the Norway Spruce and now on what would've been their 55th wedding anniversary, it's standing tall for all to enjoy.

For many the holidays mean taking a trip to Daley Plaza for the Christkindlmarket. The free festival is now open and is full of German ornaments, knickknacks and strudels, and of course the mulled wine in a ceramic mug.

Another holiday tradition is ice skating in Millennium Park, which started Friday.

The holiday fun continues this weekend when close to one million people will flood the mag mile to take in the lights festival. That kicks off at 5:30 Saturday night.