The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

America's Holiday Season Begins Here!

The annual winter celebration, a local tradition for more than 30 years, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Chicago with an all-day holiday extravaganza.

The festivities kick off with the outdoor Lights Festival Lane where families can explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities. The free-admission fest is held during the day on Saturday 23rd, 2024. It includes photos with Santa Claus, balloon twisting, live music, and more family-friendly activities.

The festival is followed by the grand tree-lighting parade on Saturday evening that heralds the illumination of over one million lights on Michigan Avenue’s more than 200 trees. The procession includes iconic Disney characters, floats, musical performances, giant balloons, and more.

The evening finishes with a stunning riverfront fireworks display.

Event Details:

Here’s a quick overview of The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024 schedule:

• 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.)

Highlights of the Event:

During the parade, over one million lights will illuminate more than 200 trees lining North Michigan Avenue (also known as The Magnificent Mile, one of Chicago’s most famous streets). The parade also includes:

• Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse leading the procession
• Marching bands from Hawaii, Alabama, Illinois and Ohio
• 40 glittering holiday floats 
• Giant helium balloons, including the 60-foot Santa Kermit, the tallest balloon ever to parade down The Magnificent Mile
• Musical celebrity appearances and performances for fans of all ages
• Santa Claus himself on the grand finale float to welcome the holiday season

Host or Publisher The Magnificent Mile