City Christmas Tree Move To Millennium Park Disappoints Some Traditionalists

CHICAGO (CBS) -- We're just nine weeks away from Christmas and the city of Chicago is changing a tradition many have loved for decades.

But is Chicago really crushing a Christmas tradition, or creating a new one?

Either way, if you're looking for a Christmas tree in Daley Plaza this holiday, uou won't find it.

Before Marshall Field's became Macy's and before the Civic Center became the Daley Center, a tradition began in 1966.

Chicago's official Christmas tree found a home and though it's been through many phases, big and small, you could always find it at Daley Plaza.

"It's such a well-known tradition to have it here," said Stephanie Hafford.

People get used to certain things and that's one of them," said Michael Aielo.

But now, down the street, a foundation is being built for its new home in Millennium Park.

"I was very surprised and I think that's absurd that they would do that," said Morris Harris.

"Keep our official city tree here in the plaza right across from City Hall and put another tree over here," said Paulina Romo.

The city says the tree will be part a new winter campus. The ice skating rink in the park, caroling at Cloud Gate and Maggie Daley Park.

"Now that I'm looking at it, it is a beautiful location," said Veronica Trevino. "I mean, it will be worth a try. It's beautiful. It's scenic."

"A lot of people don't like it," said Arturo Hernandez. "It's something different. It's been here for a while, but it's something new."

A city spokesperson says it'll cost about $142,000 for this year's tree expenses. That's about the same as last year.

They are accepting tree nominations until next Monday.