Event Details

Sat, Nov 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM

401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® in Chicago officially starts the holidays for the nation on Saturday, November 18. The 32nd annual festival and parade produced by The Magnificent Mile Association draws over one million visitors to watch Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from Walt Disney World Resort® lead a magical parade while illuminating one million lights on 200 trees adorning Michigan Avenue.

The festival begins at Lights Festival Lane (401 N. Michigan Ave) on Saturday morning with free family-friendly activities and live music that continues throughout the day. The nation’s largest evening holiday parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. when 40 glittering floats, giant helium balloons, and musical celebrities including Sister Sledge, American Idol finalist Colin Stough, The Sugarhill Gang and The Funky Bunch join the fun.

New this year, guests are invited to wear outrageously awesome holiday sweaters to join an attempt to break a world record for the most holiday sweaters in one gathering. The event concludes with The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular, and a special ABC7 Chicago television production airs in more than 90% of the nation during the holiday season, with repeat airings in multiple markets.