A family in Glenview, Illinois, is preparing for a bittersweet farewell as their 68-foot Norway spruce gets ready to become Chicago’s official Christmas tree for 2025. Jody Mason, who has lived in the house for a decade, noted that visitors often remarked on the tree’s suitability for the city’s holiday display. “Every time someone comes to the house, they always comment, ‘this would be a nice City of Chicago Christmas tree,'” she said.
The tree was cut down on November 3, 2025, and transported by Brightview Landscaping, which used a crane to lift the massive tree onto a flatbed truck. This year’s tree will become the 112th official Christmas tree displayed in Millennium Park, with a ceremonial lighting scheduled for November 21, 2025.
Emotional Send-Off for a Neighborhood Landmark
The Masons’ front yard spruce, planted as a sapling in the 1980s, towers over their modest home. Ryan Mason, Jody’s husband, reflected on the emotional aspects of the tree’s departure. “I think I’ll be more emotional seeing it go down the road, but it’s a weird feeling,” he admitted. Jody added, “You get attached, but seeing it in all its glory will be wonderful.” Their daughter, 11-year-old Evelyn, expressed pure excitement, stating, “I’m just excited to see it lit up.”
Jim Williams, who has coordinated the transportation of Chicago’s official Christmas tree for 16 years, confirmed that this tree will be the largest displayed in the city’s history. While not the tallest, at 68 feet, it boasts significant width, making it the most impressive of its kind. Williams stated, “When you combine the height and width of the tree, it’s the biggest.”
A Legacy Beyond the Holiday Season
The decision to donate the tree was influenced by its proximity to the Mason family home. “Its roots were creeping to within about 11 or 12 feet of our house’s foundations,” Jody explained. Residents of the neighborhood gathered to witness the tree’s removal, sharing in the memories of a beloved landmark. Karen Murphy, a neighbor for over 12 years, remarked on the tree’s beauty and its significance to the block, stating, “It’s an exciting time and a great memory we’ll always have.”
After the holiday season, the tree will be mulched into wood chips for public parks, but the Masons plan to ensure its legacy continues. Lucas, the couple’s son, collected pinecones from the tree to take to Jody’s father, who will replant the seeds at his tree farm in Warsaw, Indiana. “So the tree will live on,” Jody concluded, highlighting the family’s commitment to preserving their tree’s lineage even after its festive role in the city has ended.
As the Masons prepare for the tree’s journey, they look forward to seeing it illuminated in Millennium Park, a testament to their family’s cherished memories and the joy it will bring to many this holiday season.
