Kick off the holiday season in the historic Walnut Room for the 107th annual Great Tree Lighting! Standing 45 feet tall, the Great Tree is adorned with 42 LED star ornaments ranging from 18 inches to 30 inches across along with other more traditional holiday ornaments and twinkle lights.
The 47th annual animated holiday windows will be on display November 8, 2014 – January 11, 2015. Or, consider a guided group tour that explores the holiday traditions at the store. Each year, a new Christmas theme comes to life throughout the store, awakening the spirit of the holiday season. This tour includes the history of Macy’s holiday traditions, like the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, animated store window displays, a taste of Frango® Mint Chocolates and of course the 2-story Great Tree, dressed with 15,000 dazzling lights and 1,200 themed ornaments in the world-famous Walnut Room. Tours cost $12 per person and require a minimum of 10 participants. Each guest receives a Macy’s Visitor Savings Pass.
During the holiday season, children are invited to visit and get their picture taken with Santa Claus. Fun fact: Macy’s SantaLand® has been featured in the State Street store since 1948! Dates are November 8 – December 24, 2014.
Recognized as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Macy’s State Street is a Macy’s flagship destination and a true American original. Join generations of Chicagoans as you shop and dine your way through this historic 9-floor building filled with the best in fashion, cuisine and more. While this page is dedicated to the State Street store, there is also a second Macy’s location on Michigan Avenue in Water Tower Place.
The Walnut Room has the distinction of being the first restaurant in a department store, and it’s also the longest continuously running restaurant in the country. Opened in 1907, the popular dining and gathering spot was originally known as the South Tea Room. It became known among the ladies of Chicago as The Walnut Room due to its beautiful Circassian Walnut paneling, and by 1937 the affectionate nickname had become the official name. A chicken pot pie dish that inspired the restaurant is still a standout on the menu. The world-famous 45-foot Great Tree graces The Walnut Room from late November to early January each year.
Since the early 1870s, Macy’s has been stunning spectators with its famed holiday window displays and celebratory events. As the first store to ever feature holiday windows created for the pure fun and joy of the season, Macy’s began a tradition that still lives on today. In Chicago, marvel at our 45-foot Great Tree decorated with over 1,200 themed ornaments and 25,000 dazzling lights in the Walnut Room.
You might like to also take a guided group tour of this historic store. Learn how Macy’s has grown to be America’s largest department store, with over 800 locations and more than 150 years of retailing history. Originally Marshall Fields, Macy’s on State Street offers an experience like no other. Tour highlights include the breathtaking Tiffany vaulted ceiling, the graceful Burnham fountain, the world-renowned Walnut Room restaurant and a taste of our famous Frango® Mint Chocolates. The cost is $12 per person (Guests will receive a Macy’s 10% Visitor Savings Pass). For groups of 10 people or less, tours are available every Friday at 11:30 a.m. For groups of ten or more, advance reservations are required.
