Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

About this adventure

Marking the official grand opening of the holiday season in Chicago for 35 years, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival draws more than one million spectators to North Michigan Avenue on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The celebration begins at 11:00 AM with 'Lights Festival Lane' at Pioneer Court, featuring live musical performances, interactive family games, brand giveaways, and complimentary photos with Santa Claus. At 5:30 PM, the nation's largest nighttime parade steps off at Oak Street and Michigan Avenue. Led by Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World, more than 40 illuminated floats, giant helium character balloons, marching bands from across the country, and dancing performers travel south down the avenue. With a wave of Mickey's wand, more than 200 trees along the boulevard are sequentially illuminated with one million sparkling LED lights. The evening culminates at 7:15 PM with an extraordinary fireworks show detonated over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue.