THE WINTRUST MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL® RETURNS FOR ITS 32ND YEAR
TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS IN CHICAGO NOVEMBER 18TH
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® is the largest evening holiday parade in the country
Photo Cred: Vito Palmisano
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® in Chicago officially starts the holidays for the nation on Saturday, November 18th. The 32nd annual festival and parade produced by The Magnificent Mile Association draws over one million visitors to watch Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from Walt Disney World Resort® lead a magical parade while illuminating one million lights on 200 trees adorning Michigan Avenue.
Sister Sledge – Photo Cred: Chris Loomis
The festival begins at Lights Festival Lane (401 N Michigan Avenue) on Saturday morning with free family-friendly activities and live music that continues throughout the day. The nation’s largest evening holiday parade steps off at 5:30pm when 40 glittering floats, giant helium balloons, and musical celebrities including Sister Sledge, American Idol finalist Colin Stough, The Sugarhill Gang and The Funky Bunch join the fun.
New this year, guests are invited to wear outrageously awesome holiday sweaters to join an attempt to break a world record for the most holiday sweaters in one gathering. The event concludes with The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular, and a special ABC7 Chicago television production airs in more than 90% of the nation during the holiday season, with repeat airings in multiple markets.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has become a family tradition with visitors traveling to Chicago each year to mark the beginning of the holiday season. All are welcome and all activities are free and open to the public.
Find a complete schedule and special holiday offers from area businesses: www.themagnificentmile.com
