The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is an annual event that’s filled with holiday activities.
Considered the unofficial kick-off of the Chicago holiday season, the fest features family fun, shopping, a lighting parade, visits with Santa Claus, live concerts, and special offers at Michigan Avenue shops.
The Magnificent Mile in Chicago is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly magnificent during the winter and the holiday season.
Each November, two hundred trees are festooned with one million lights, creating a winter wonderland in the city’s most famous shopping district.
The season kicks off Saturday before Thanksgiving, attracting millions of visitors and culminating in a parade that’s broadcast worldwide.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, one of Chicago’s most cherished Christmas traditions.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
History of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
This Chicago festival of lights began simply, with a single tree erected in Water Tower Park in 1949 by the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA). It was a 50-foot tree and the association decorated it with 1,500 lights.
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street had just gained its now-famous “Magnificent Mile” nickname two years previously when real estate magnate Arthur Rubloff coined the phrase.
One of the anchor stores of The Magnificent Mile was Saks Fifth Avenue. Opened in 1929, it was the first branch of the New York department store to operate year-round.
In 1959, the store made an indelible mark on Chicago by decorating the trees in front of the store with tiny white lights.
Over the years, more and more stores followed suit until it became an official event in 1992, when Walt Disney and company joined in the festivities.
The company became an official sponsor, and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade was born.
More sponsors participated over the years, and while it is now known as the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead the parade each year.
Related: Find more free things to do in Chicago
Things to do at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Events begin on Saturday morning, when Pioneer Court, located at the base of the Chicago Tribune Tower, becomes Lights Festival Lane.
At this magical place, children can get their photos taken with Santa and kids of all ages can indulge in Chicago favorites, including Eli’s Cheesecake.
Previous performers at Lights Festival Lane include The Caroling Connection, Dickensian-garbed a capella performers who truly bring the spirit of the season.
The Magnificent Mile Parade begins on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on Oak Street, and for an hour and a half spectators are delighted by dozens of participants, including local sports teams, giant helium-filled balloons, marching bands, and Walt Disney World characters.
Don’t forget to wear your favorite Christmas sweater! The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival holds the record for the most holiday records at a parade, and they hope to repeat it in 2024.
The parade ends at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, just south of the river.
The Grand Finale of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is the Fireworks Spectacular. The show begins at 7 p.m. and the fireworks are launched over the Chicago River.
It’s truly a sight to see.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Schedule 2024
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Experience a vibrant lane bustling with booths and complimentary family activities, including enjoy free coffee tastings courtesy of Dunkin’ and capture holiday memories with Santa photos, provided by Wintrust.
More Lights Festival Lane fun:
11:00AM – 4:00PM
Explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue).
Santa Claus is always ready to greet guests, alongside lots of holiday-themed activities.
Lights Festival Lane hosts a variety of family-friendly activities:
- Explore the Illinois Lottery‘s display! With any lottery ticket purchase from their truck, you could snag a special giveaway.
- Embrace holiday cheer with a healthy twist: savor a gratis sample of Lifeway Kefir, a delightful treat for your digestive system.
- As the nation’s railway nexus, CN Railway takes pride in its Chicago roots. Visit their spot to spin the “Stay off the Tracks Prize Wheel,” putting your train safety smarts to the test for a shot at winning exclusive railroad-themed giveaways, and meet “Milo” the dog for a memorable photo op.
- Swing by the Eli’s Cheesecake tent for a scrumptious slice of cheesecake on the house. Decorate your treat with an assortment of sauces and candies alongside Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences students (one per person, subject to availability). Plus, with an on-site donation of $20 or more to the Greater Chicago Food Depository (credit card transactions only), you’ll receive a complimentary cheesecake to enjoy at home.
- Get a pulse-racing experience at the NASCAR booth with their Racing Simulator. Take control and navigate the virtual Chicago Street Course like a pro.
- Visit the Wild Fork booth for prizes and samples.
- Fuel up with Dunkin‘ and get your free coffee and MUNCHKINS samples.
As early as 3:00PM: DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) closes to pedestrian traffic.
3:30PM: North Michigan Avenue closes to vehicular traffic between Oak Street and Wacker Drive.
5:30-7:00PM: The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival tree-lighting parade steps onto North Michigan Avenue at Oak Street.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are the Grand Marshals, and they’re joined by friends from the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida.
The parade also includes celebrity performances from
- The Ladies of Chic
- Quad City DJs
- The Pack Drumline
- Virginia Bocelli
- Heather Headley
- Cameo
Witness Santa Claus soar down the route on the grand finale float presented by Wintrust to officially signal the start of the holiday season.
The parade route travels down North Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive, lighting one million lights as they go.
The procession features fun floats, giant helium-filled balloons, marching bands, and top musical performers.
7PM: Fireworks spectacular over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue.
Tips for attending the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Get the most out of the festival of lights with these tips:
- The temperatures will drop as soon as the sun goes down, so remember to bring extra clothing.
- You’ll also want to bring a camera to record your experiences.
- Since you’re going to be in the shopping mecca of the Midwest, bringing your holiday shopping list is a must!
- Bring a portable battery charger for your cell phone.
- Bookmark this page so you can reference it for the day’s activities!
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival By The Numbers
- Over 1.2 million people travel to Chicago for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
- It takes an entire year to plan the festival with the help of 600 volunteers.
- Each year the festival closes with a fireworks show featuring 10,000 shells exploding over the Chicago River.
Getting to the Festival of Lights
Because there are so many people coming to the festival you’ll want to allow plenty of time.
If you plan on enjoying the festivities in Pioneer Plaza you can take the Red Line to Grand Station or you can take any of the other lines into the Loop and walk across the river.
If you drive, there are several parking garages in the area. Use a service like Spothero to purchase your parking ahead of time. Not only will it be less stressful than trying to find a spot, reserving a space can also save you money.
To find discounted parking with Spothero, click on “Edit” below and enter the date(s) you’ll be attending the fest:
Hotels near the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
ACME Hotel Company – fun and affordable boutique hotel | Check rates
Doubletree by Hilton Magnificent Mile – get a warm cookie at check-in! | Check rates
Hyatt Regency Chicago – one of Chicago’s largest hotels | Check rates
Intercontinental Hotel Chicago – an historic hotel on the Magnificent Mile | Check rates
Loews Chicago Hotel – closest hotel to Navy Pier | Check rates
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel – located in one of the most distinctive buildings in Chicago | Check rates
Find more hotels near the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It delights children of all ages and heralds the beginning of the holiday season in Chicago.