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From Past to Present

The Story of The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

A Timeless Tradition

For more than three decades, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® has been a beloved and iconic kickoff to the holiday season in Chicago. Now in its 33rd year, this cherished celebration will once again light up North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, November 23, 2024, marking the official start of the holiday season.

Year after year, the Lights Festival brings joy to millions as it transforms The Magnificent Mile® into a sparkling wonderland. With the help of over 600 volunteers, this event fills the streets with festive cheer, creating memories and forming traditions that last a lifetime. As the trees along North Michigan Avenue glow with radiant lights, the holiday spirit extends far beyond Chicago, touching the hearts of people across the nation.

Brighten Your Holidays!

 

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® has a long and vibrant history that reflects the growth of holiday traditions in Chicago. Since its inception, it has illuminated the city in more ways than one. A beautiful keepsake of this legacy is captured in a book titled The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, written by the event's Executive Producer, Ellen S. Farrar.

 

As part of Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series, this book offers over 200 stunning black-and-white images that tell the story of holiday celebrations along Michigan Avenue, dating back to 1949.

The book takes readers on a journey to that pivotal year, when a 67-foot Christmas tree adorned with 1,500 lights was proudly displayed in Water Tower Park. From there, it recounts how Hollywood stars like Betty Grable and Betty Hutton helped usher in the holiday season, eventually passing the torch to Mickey Mouse and beloved Disney characters.

 

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Largest nighttime parade in the United States (5)
Largest nighttime parade in the United States (6)
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