Tommy Holl, The Real Elf, Make-A-Wish child recipient Olivia and her older sister Sophie, the Zzazzette Dancers and Santa Claus! | Photo By: Ben Ramos

Many would agree that there is no feeling quite like the start of ringing in the holidays! This year at 900 N Michigan Avenue Shops, Team MAE helped kick off the holidays in a big way at Illuminate 900 (the 4th Illuminate celebration)! With 900’s famous 50 foot tree holding center court on Level 2 of the gleaming luxe mall, there were holiday performances from local talent showcased at center stage and surprises on every level such as cookie decorating from Sur La Table, a magical holiday village designed by Kehoe Designs for Wave 3D’s “snow globe” video booth and seasonal delights all the way through Floor 6 in the Aster Hall lounge. The highlight of the night was the magical tree lighting by Make-A-Wish child recipient Olivia along with Santa Claus, The Real Elf and the event’s Host Committee! The Committee was notably comprised of some of the leading movers and shakers in Chicago! Performers and guests alike were dressed to the nines, brimming with glitz and glam as partygoers sipped champagne and hot cocoa (for children of all ages!), noshed on holiday bites from Aster Hall and decorated ornaments care of Bubbles Academy. The spirit of the season was truly in the air! Take a peek at this video highlight from Glam Tie Media:

make-a-wish magic

Tommy, The Real Elf and Olivia, Make-A-Wish child recipient making a grand entrance on Michigan Avenue to kick-off Illuminate 900! Led by the Beat Mix Music Drummer Boys. | Photo by: Ben Ramos

Olivia and her family were the very special guests of honor! They arrived in style led from the Four Seasons by two Beat Mix drummer boys, Tommy Holl, The Real Elf on the shelf and the ecstatic team at 900 N. Michigan Avenue Shops. Olivia assisted Santa later on in the evening with flipping the switch and lighting the grand 50 foot tree with our Host Committee!

Photos below include holidays treats from Sur La Table and Aster Hall enjoyed by guests throughout the evening. Captures were by local photographers Ben Ramos and Erika Dufour.

eat, drink & be merry

Illuminate 900 is notably the first kickoff celebration every holiday season bringing the Chicago community together near and far. Before any other tree lightings or parades, Illuminate has become a special gathering for not only an incredible event, but a worthwhile cause. Thousands of dollars were raised over the duration of ticketing and the evening for Make-A-Wish foundation. The event is held inside, so you can enjoy all of the festivities without any of the hassles of inclement Chicago November weather! Truly warm and fuzzy!!!

The outstanding Chicago Children’s Choir singing Carol of the Bells. | Photo By: Ben Ramos

The incredibly talented Tina Jenkins took the stage and looked radiant as ever! | Photo By: Erika Dufour

Evelyn Galstad, the Angel, graced us with her beautiful rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and other hits! | Photo By: Ben Ramos

We even had new clients join us all the way from Dallas, TX to ring in the holidays, Dr. Brooke Mensah & Jacob Plecki. | Photo By: Ben Ramos

Many of our beloved clients came to join us for this one-of-a-kind event! Client or not, all of Chicago is welcome! We did love spending some extra quality time with Dr. Brooke Mensah & Jacob Plecki, who will be getting married in 2020 and wedding planning with us from afar in Texas!

glitter & bubbles

Children enjoying Bubbles Academy ornament making!

Children were invited to try their hand in ornament decorating with Bubbles Academy! Along with cookie decorating at Sur la Table, there were plenty of hands-on activities for littles to enjoy!

Photos By: Erika Dufour

Maddy Witt from The New Music School sang All I Want For Christmas accompanied by Forward Momentum who danced the night away! | Photo By: Ben Ramos

Santa Claus himself snagging a moment in the Wave 3D Video Booth! | Photo By: Erika Dufour

Guests were able to step inside a life-size “snow globe” to take video gifs, giving them a taste of a winter wonderland! Wave 3D was ready with confetti “snow” and to capture special moments for guests! Attendees enjoyed this Instagram worthy opportunity and even got to see their final photos projected on 900’s walls throughout the night!

The Electric Ballerinas from Stage Factor lit up the night with their captivating moves. | Photo By: Ben Ramos

The night was filled with holiday treats, radiant design, decor and show stopping performances by Chicago’s most promising local talent. We truly appreciate everyone who came out to share in this special event as a community.