Light Festival

lights festival on The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, illuminating Michigan Avenue with dazzling displays, festive decorations, and crowds enjoying the lively atmosphere

Sugar Hill Gang Dunkin Float (1) lights festival on The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, illuminating Michigan Avenue with dazzling displays, festive decorations, and crowds enjoying the lively atmosphere

Enjoy Illinois Float Big Lincoln (1) lights festival on The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, illuminating Michigan Avenue with dazzling displays, festive decorations, and crowds enjoying the lively atmosphere

Goofy & Pluto (1) lights festival on The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, illuminating Michigan Avenue with dazzling displays, festive decorations, and crowds enjoying the lively atmosphere

WaPo_MKE_018 lights festival on The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, illuminating Michigan Avenue with dazzling displays, festive decorations, and crowds enjoying the lively atmosphere

Mirabel Close Up (1) lights festival on The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, illuminating Michigan Avenue with dazzling displays, festive decorations, and crowds enjoying the lively atmosphere

America's Holiday Season Begins Here

Your holiday cheer starts here! The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® is Saturday, November 23rd!

Come feel the magic of this dazzling holiday parade, brought to you by Wintrust, and presented by Enjoy Illinois, Chicagoland Kia Dealers and Dunkin'.

For thirty-three years, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® has been an exciting and joy-filled holiday celebration. The centerpiece is the largest nighttime parade in the United States. Led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of Walt Disney World® Resort, the spectacular 2024 parade down North Michigan Avenue will feature fabulous floats with beloved characters Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Anna and Elsa, Tiana and Belle, marching bands from across the country, musical celebrities, Santa Claus, The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular, and one million lights illuminating The Magnificent Mile's 200+ trees.

This year, thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Enjoy Illinois, guests can experience brand new illumination: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort will magically illuminate select blocks along the parade route near the Chicago River with brilliant new lighting plus super colossal Santa Kermit and his pal, Animal helium balloons, reimagined floats and popular musical celebrities including DJ Chip E, the legendary ladies of Chic performing Good Times and Le Freak and many more!