What Is It?
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is the single largest evening holiday celebration in the nation. It consists of a Tree-Lighting Parade, concerts, fireworks over the Chicago River, holiday shopping & hotel specials, and a bunch of family friendly activities.
The Tree Lighting Parade
This huge parade takes place on Michigan Avenue. Headed by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the trees down the street light up as the parade moves along the path. Toss in huge helium-filled balloons of your favorite characters, marching bands from across the state, and a variety of floats to keep you on your toes – and you have the Tree Lighting Parade, one of the most magical holiday events around.
Concerts
There are two types of shows, those on the main stage, and those in the parade. Here’s a list of each, highlighted by headliner Michelle Branch.
BMO Harris Bank Stage
- Michelle Branch
- Petoskey Steel Drum Band
- Isaiah Grass
- Lazaro Arbos
Parade Route
- Million Dollar Quartet
- MAX
- The Girl and The Dreamcatcher featuring Dove Cameron and Ryan McCartan
- Anthony Kearns
- Charles Perry
Fireworks
What could possibly end the night better than a firework show? The Fireworks Spectacular takes place where North Michigan Avenue meets the Chicago River. The show starts at 6:55 pm sharp, so be get there early to grab a spot.
Holiday Specials
The Magnificent Mile has an extremely extensive list of hotel, shopping, dining, entertainment, spa, and other specials to peruse. Because the list is so all-encompassing, we’ve decided just to include a link to their official Holiday Offers page. You can view everything here.
Light Festival Lane
Located at Pioneer Court (401 N Michigan), Lights Festival Lane provides the ultimate source of family entertainment throughout the day. Participating tents include:
- BMO Harris Bank
- The Magnificent Mile Information Booth
- Blue Buffalo
- Connie’s Pizza
- Disney Store
- The Eli’s Cheesecake Company
- Fannie May Fine Chocolates
- Garrett Popcorn Shops
- Lurie Children’s & Kohl’s
- Museum of Science & Industry
- Reddi Wip
- Southwest Airlines
- Subaru
- Sport Clips
- Whole Foods
- 9 MY Holiday FM
You can learn more about the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival at themagnificentmile.com/events/lights-festival.
