Ice skating, new art exhibitions and an annual tree lighting ceremony are among some seasonal traditions that will be returning to Chicago this fall.

       After a year of canceled festivities due to the pandemic, the city is ready to welcome residents and visitors back in person. Last year the annual tree lighting ceremony was held virtually and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink was closed.

       This year will be different.

       On Wednesday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced that fall and holiday programming and the city’s visual arts scene will fully reopen.

       The announcement was part of a campaign launched with DCASE called “Capture Chicago’s Creative Spirit.” The purpose is to engage cultural and community organizations to celebrate Chicago’s creative community, and have residents and visitors experience being back in creative spaces such as theaters, museums, and dance and music venues for live events.

       In October, Halloween community events will return. Also, four new art exhibitions will open at the Chicago Cultural Center including “Art and Race Matters: The Career of Robert Colescott” (Dec. 4-March 13).

       Among the events are ice skating and the traditional tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park on Nov. 19. And the list includes the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along, formerly known as Caroling at Cloud Gate, on Fridays at 6 p.m. (Nov. 26–Dec. 17).

       Other events will take place throughout the fall and the winter including pop-up museums, comedy shows and screenplays.

       tatturner@chicagotribune.com

       Amid ongoing school bus driver shortage, thousands of CPS students still without regular transportation to school

       51m

       City announces plans for live, in-person holiday traditions to return to Chicago this fall, from tree lighting to ice skating

       1h

       Breaking News Body found in Illinois River is identified as missing ISU student Jelani Day

       1h

       Nation & World Boyfriend of slain woman Gabby Petito indicted for bank fraud, according to federal officials

       24m

       Criminal Justice Prosecutors didn’t ‘bring home the bacon’ in case against R. Kelly, defense argues, saying his playboy lifestyle wasn’t racketeering conspiracy

       2h