How to Put on the Perfect Tree Lighting Ceremony
Featuring Tree Lightings at the Waldorf & theWit
The best tree lighting ceremonies don’t happen with the flip of a switch.
They’re brought to life through an interplay of experience, cohesive design, and a well-defined artistic vision.
That’s what it takes for tree lighting events to become iconic parts of a city’s rich collective culture—and these moments can truly transform ordinary evenings into landmark celebrations and beloved holiday traditions.
Blending classic holiday charm with elevated, contemporary production, the Waldorf and theWit have partnered with The Music Trust year after year to produce signature tree lighting events that captivate guests while setting a new standard for seasonal celebrations.
Creating that kind of magic requires thoughtful choices at every stage of the event design.
Tree Lighting Activations in 5 Steps
Here's a high-level walk-through of the steps our event production team generally takes to put on flawless tree lighting ceremonies for some of the most popular hotels and big-name venues in Chicago (and several other major metros).
1. Choose a setting worthy of the moment.
The centerpiece of any tree lighting should extend beyond an immaculately decorated tree, encompassing the venue and overall environment.
For the tree lighting at theWit, the lighting was staged in the grand lobby, using its natural architecture to elegantly frame the tree as a standout visual anchor.
The height, warmth, and welcoming character of theWit’s lobby served as an ideal backdrop while:
Creating instant atmosphere
Infusing extra grandeur into the precise moment the tree is lit.
Expert Tip: If you don’t know where to start with a tree lighting event, start with the venue. It’s your “stage, and the tree is the star. If you nail the venue, the architecture can do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to setting the scene and creating an inviting, warm atmosphere.
2. Design delightful surprises.
Activating a tree lighting at luxe, high-end venues like the Waldorf and theWit demands more than visually beautiful touches. It calls for layered sensory moments that feel worthy of the space. To achieve that level of resonance, every detail has to be engineered for impact.
Our team creates these high-impact moments with elements like (and not limited to):
Hand-carved ice sculptures that serve as instant photo magnets
Ice luges that create a festive, interactive cocktail experience
Champagne fountains that turned guest arrivals into a celebration
Precisely timed snow effects and “sparkulars” (which are non-flammable and can create fountains of “sparks”) synchronized with the illumination of the tree.
These elements can transform tired traditions into show-stopping seasonal spectacles.
Expert Tip: Create one “unexpected wow” moment that defines the event—something guests don’t see coming but will talk about long after the night ends.
3. Select the right music to set the tone and energy.
Music serves as the emotional architecture of a tree lighting, shaping both atmosphere and energy. For Waldorf + Wit, The Music Trust curated a seamless musical arc that guided the evening from refined welcome to vibrant, full-scale celebration.
During theWit's tree lighting, music included:
The Champagne Allstars, establishing a luxe, holiday-forward ambiance
A rooftop DJ, who shifted the mood and carried the evening into an upbeat after-party, keeping guests engaged long after the tree was lit.
This intentional progression—from elegant to upbeat—is key to sustaining audience engagement while ensuring the evening unfolds with momentum from start to finish.
Expert Tip: Choose a DJ who understands event flow, not just playlists. A skilled DJ can bridge the ceremony and after-party without dropping a beat, shaping the emotional arc as effectively as the tree lighting itself.
4. Leverage elements that enhance, not distract.
An essential part of high-tier holiday production is balance.
Snow effects, sparkulers, lighting, and sound have to work together and complement each other to heighten the magic without overwhelming the moment.
Tree lightings at the Waldorf and theWit are always designed with this in mind, with effects calibrated to enhance—and never overshadow—the central tree lighting moment.
Expert Tip: Sync effects with the natural pacing of the evening. When cues land at the right time, they don’t just dance up a moment—they truly enrich it.
5. Build a story, not just an event.
The perfect tree lighting feels fully orchestrated, from the initial entrance and first welcome through the very last rooftop track.
The tree lighting events at the Waldorf and theWit work year in and year out because every detail is connected, including (and not limited to):
The lighting and décor
The music and special effects
The seasonal touches and thoughtful progression of the evening.
When guests attend tree lightings at theWit and the Waldorf, they weren’t just showing up to an event—they were stepping into a wonderfully immersive, curated holiday world.
Expert Tip: Craft a guiding narrative for the guest experience. A strong emotional framework can naturally guide and enrich the evening.
Elevated Holiday Events Only Get Better with The Music Trust
The Music Trust crafts seasonal events that engage every sense, leaving guests with a feeling they carry well beyond the final cue.
Let's make your tree lighting flawless and unforgettable.
