A Light of Hope for Chicago

On Christmas Eve at 9:09pm, let’s come together to light a candle, sing Silent Night, and reflect on the things that truly matter.

Shine Your light

How to Get Involved

Tune into a participating radio station (see below) on Christmas Eve at 9:09pm for a special broadcast of Silent Night. Alternatively, a live stream will also premiere from this webpage at 9:00pm.
Go outside on your porch, roof deck, balcony, or curb.
Shine a light (candle or cellphone) and sing along to Silent Night as we stand together in solidarity.
Take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

Will 2020 Steal Christmas?

For Chicagoans, 2020 has been a dark year. We’ve been living under the shadow of the pandemic, social unrest, and a polarizing election season. We’re all off-balance and disconnected from one another. But Christmas offers us a unique moment to refocus our hearts on the things that truly matter.

This Christmas Eve it’s time to shine the light of hope. For a brief moment, let’s come together as Chicagoans, shine a light, and break through the darkness.

History of Silent Night

Among the songs of Christmas, few stand out as representing the peace and goodwill of the holiday season like Silent Night. Moving stories of both its composition and its instrumental use in the Christmas Truce of 1914 during World War I demonstrate its lasting appeal to us today. On Christmas Eve in 1914, as the song drifted across the battle-scarred field and trenches, the soldiers rediscovered their humanity, and for one night peace on earth and goodwill towards men took center stage. Today, Silent Night is the most widely known and recognizable Christmas song.

This Christmas Eve in Chicago, we hope to experience a similar Silent Night moment, as we all lay aside our differences, rediscover our humanity, and let peace on earth and goodwill towards all reign.

Learn more