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THE WINTRUST MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL®

November 23, 2024

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!
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The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® Countdown:

November 23, 2024

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The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® is proudly sponsored by:

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Experience the magic

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SWEEPSTAKES

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Snap a photo of yourself at the festival

WIN a trip for four to Walt Disney World® Resort! Help us kick-off the holiday season at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and you could win a 5-day getaway for four at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando. To enter, attend The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on Saturday, November 23, snap a photo at the festival, and follow the below steps.
1) Post your photo from the festival on your Instagram feed by Monday, November 25 (ensure your account is public so we can verify your entry eligibility).
2) Tag @themagmile + include #wintrustlightsfest in your Instagram post caption.
3) Make sure you’re following our Instagram: @themagmile
Sweepstakes entries close at 5PM CDT on Monday, November 25. Sweepstakes not affiliated with Meta or Instagram/Facebook. Good luck!

View the schedule here

Lights Festival Lane 11am - 4pm

Enjoy a festive thoroughfare of booths and free family activities all on Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court at 401 North Michigan Ave.

Visit the Wintrust Pavilion for complimentary photos with Santa Claus! Images are captured with beautiful holiday décor adding to the festive spirit. Photos will be available instantly for download via email or text using convenient photo kiosks. Plus balloon twisting is available for additional fun!

 

Lights Festival Lane Ballet (1)

Parade 5:30pm

Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort step off from Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, illuminating more than one million lights on 200 trees block by block as they lead the parade south along The Magnificent Mile.

The 2024 talent lineup includes:

  • Mickey Mouse and friends from Walt Disney World Resort 
  • The Ladies of Chic (singing Good Time and Le Freak down the parade route)
  • Quad City DJs (singing C'mon Ride the Train and Space Jam)
  • DJ Chip E - celebrating the 40th anniversary of House Music with Choose Chicago
  • The Pack Drumline
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The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular 7:30 pm

The culmination of the holiday celebration will be The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.

The Wrigley Building Fireworks

Broadcast Across the Nation

Experience all of the festive fun of the 2024 Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® live in The Magnificent Mile district on Saturday, November 23rd and then tune-in to watch locally on ABC 7 Chicago on Sunday, November 24th at 6 pm. Watch on demand between November 24th and December 31st via ABC 7 Chicago online. Our 2024 parade will also air across the country via syndication in more than 202 markets all holiday-season long.

The 2024 broadcast will feature Virginia Bocelli, singing Over the Rainbow and Heather Headley, singing Thankful.
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Snap a photo of yourself at the festival

WIN a trip for four to Walt Disney World® Resort! Help us kick-off the holiday season at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and you could win a 5-day getaway for four at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando. To enter, attend The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on Saturday, November 23, snap a photo at the festival, and follow the below steps.
1) Post your photo from the festival on your Instagram feed by Monday, November 25 (ensure your account is public so we can verify your entry eligibility).
2) Tag @themagmile + include #wintrustlightsfest in your Instagram post caption.
3) Make sure you’re following our Instagram: @themagmile
Sweepstakes entries close at 5PM CDT on Monday, November 25. Sweepstakes not affiliated with Meta or Instagram/Facebook. 
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LF Map

 

Prepare for The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival®!

With street closures beginning as early as 3 p.m., and others later, it’s best to check the full schedule for smooth travel. See the complete list of closures and event times.

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