If you’re expecting a Christmas parade in Chicago this year, we must inform you that the city does not host one. Instead, Chicago celebrates the holiday season with the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in the last weeks of November.
This event lights up the city with more than 200 decorated trees along the Magnificent Mile, one of Chicago’s most famous streets. This year, the parade will feature Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse leading the procession, along with 40 sparkling holiday floats, musical performances, celebrity appearances, and Santa Claus himself on the grand finale float to welcome the holiday season officially. After all, we can’t have a Chicago Christmas celebration without Santa Claus!
What is The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival?
For over 30 years, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been a beloved annual tradition in Chicago, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
The festival is a whole-day affair, starting with Lights Festival Lane, a kid-friendly wonderland filled with holiday-themed activities. The event takes place during the day on Saturday and features opportunities for photos with Santa Claus, balloon twisting, live music, and various other activities.
In the evening, the festival culminates in a grand tree-lighting parade, which sparks the illumination of more than 200 trees along Michigan Avenue. The parade concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River.
When is The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival?
The Chicago Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024
Here’s a brief overview of the schedule for the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024:
- Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Evening Parade on Michigan Avenue (5:30 p.m.)
- Fireworks on the Chicago River (7:30 p.m.)
How much does the festival cost?
Nothing, it’s free!
Where is the festival?
The Lights Festival Lane is located at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave. The parade travels south along North Michigan Avenue, starting at Oak Street and ending at Wacker Drive, just after the DuSable Bridge.
What if I can’t attend?
Can’t see it in person? The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival airs on ABC 7 Chicago live on Saturday, November 23.