Michigan Avenue got a whole lot merrier on Friday night. Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the onstage VIPs as thousands of gathered onlookers stood shoulder to shoulder in crowds that stretched down Michigan Avenue at Millennium Park for the lighting of Chicago’s official Christmas tree.

Chicago's holiday season has unofficially arrived, with the city's Christmas tree being lit Friday as a weekend full of holiday events begins.

Some along the parade route said they were excited for another year of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse flipping the switch to light up the Mag Mile.