BREAKING: The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade has officially returned for its 34th year, lighting up North Michigan Avenue in Chicago this weekend! This highly anticipated event is set to kick off the holiday season with an expected crowd of up to 1 million attendees.
The festivities begin with a free concert featuring Chicago’s own Plain White T’s, taking the stage at 1 p.m. today, followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. The parade will travel south on North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive, showcasing a dazzling array of floats, giant helium balloons, and musical performances.
This year’s lineup includes special appearances by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as performances by GRAMMY-winning producer DJ White Shadow, who will debut a Chicago-themed float. Adding to the excitement, Club Nouveau will perform their iconic hit “Lean on Me.”
Organizers emphasize the festival’s significance, stating it features the illumination of one million lights on over 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue, marking the official start of the holiday season not just in Chicago, but across Illinois and nationwide. The event is recognized as the largest evening parade in the U.S. and the third-largest parade in the country.
Attendees are encouraged to wear festive holiday sweaters in an effort to break the record for the most worn at a parade.
Lights Festival Lane will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pioneer Court, located at 401 N. Michigan Ave. The fireworks display will follow the parade, lighting up the Chicago River and North Michigan Avenue.
For more details, visit TheMagnificentMile.com. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration that promises to bring joy and holiday spirit to the city!
ABC7 Chicago proudly sponsors this grand event, underscoring its importance in the community. Tune in on Sunday, November 23, at 6 p.m. for a special broadcast of the parade.
Stay connected for the latest updates on this exciting festival!
