CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Shining bright for 30 magnificent years, The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returns to downtown Chicago this weekend to kick off the holiday season.
The the Magnificent Mile Association said Chicagoans will come together safely again, after the 2020 live event hiatus, to celebrate the largest nighttime parade in the nation.
The action-packed weekend will begin with a preview night on Friday, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. featuring a ceremonial tree-lighting in The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza in honor of the building’s 100 years.
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On Saturday, Nov. 20, the event-filled day begins at 11 a.m. starting in Lights Festival Lane, located at 401 N. Michigan Ave., with a festive thoroughfare of booths and family activities, including photos with Santa Claus, until 4 p.m.
The family fun continues with the grand tree-lighting parade down North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 20 starting at 5:30 p.m. with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The parade features more than 60 minutes of fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, exciting marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, and more, all helping to illuminate more than 1 million lights along The Magnificent Mile.
The event draws to a grand conclusion with spectacular fireworks over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge at 7 p.m.
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Think you are ready to join in on the holiday celebration? Here is a Guide to the BMO Harris Bank’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
What’s New:
Watch for new floats designed by Chicago Public School students from UPLIFT Community High School and Curie Metropolitan High School in partnership with BMO Harris Bank and T-Mobile. Championed by BMO Harris Bank, this new partnership with Chicago Public Schools’ Department of STEM and the Department of Arts Education was created to bring a real-world work-based STEAM design challenge to the students. The floats, built by Mardi Gras-float builders New Orleans-based Kern Studios, are debuting live in the parade.
Also new this year to the parade route is the balloon debut of Bumble, the Abominable Snowman (from 1964 TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) sponsored by Special Olympics Illinois and four high school marching bands from Ohio.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, Nov. 19
• 4 p.m. - The action-packed weekend will begin with a preview night featuring a ceremonial tree-lighting in The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza, located at 410 N. Michigan Ave., in honor of the building’s 100 years with music by the Chicago Carolers.
Saturday, Nov. 20
Lights Festival Lane
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court, including the BMO Harris Kid's Zone. Santa Claus is always ready to greet guests, alongside more than a dozen holiday-themed activities.
ALL DAY: Enjoy holiday experiences and special offers at participating retailers, restaurants, and attractions around The Magnificent Mile District!
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Prepare for the parade
As early as 3:30 p.m.: Dusable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) closes to pedestrian traffic.
4 p.m.: North Michigan Avenue closes to vehicular traffic between Oak Street and Wacker Drive.
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. - The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival tree-lighting parade steps onto North Michigan Avenue at Oak Street. Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and their friends from the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida travel down North Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive, lighting one million lights along the way! The procession features spectacular floats, helium-filled balloons, marching bands and top musical performers.
6:55 p.m. - Fireworks spectacular over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue.
Viewing: A spectacular fireworks show is displayed over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge), so standing along Wacker Drive or in Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Avenue are the prime places to view!
REMEMBER: The DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) closes as early as 3:30 p.m. each year. If you want to get to your favorite spot for the lighting procession, be sure to make your way across the bridge before that time!
*Wheelchair Viewing: Wheelchair viewing is available for the parade and fireworks.
• Arriving by Car: Wheelchair automobile drop-off will be available in the northbound curb lane of Wabash Avenue just North of Trump International Hotel. Look for our volunteer team to assist.
• Area entrance: You may access this plaza from Wabash Avenue (above Hubbard Street) along the walkway or by Michigan Avenue from the North. Look for our volunteer team to assist.
Please note: DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) closes as early as 3:30 p.m. to pedestrian traffic, so be sure to cross over before that time, or consider an alternate route such as N. Columbus Drive Bridge. Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive will close as early as 3:30 p.m. to vehicular traffic.
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Tree-Lighting Parade Route:
The tree-lighting parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Oak Street, heading south on Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive.
Viewing: The Magnificent Mile Association reminds guests that Michigan Avenue is less crowded on the east side of the street, especially at the north end of the procession route.
2021 Musical Talent and Special Appearances
• Grace Kinstler
• Willie Spence
• Tag Team
• Kool & The Gang
• Bebe Wood
• Disney Princess - The Concert
COVID-19 Protocols during Lights Festival
Guests attending any of the Lights Festival events will be asked to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, throughout the Lights Festival footprint, including The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza, Lights Festival Lane, and along the parade route.
Public Restrooms
• Lights Festival Lane, Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue
• 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 N. Michigan Avenue
• Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue
• The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Avenue
Getting There:
If You Are Driving from the:
• North: Go south on Lake Shore Drive, exit at Michigan Avenue.
• Northwest: Take I-90/94 to Ohio Street then east on Ohio Street to Michigan Avenue.
• South: Go north on Lake Shore Drive, exit Illinois Street/Grand Avenue, follow signs to Michigan Avenue.
• Southwest: Take I-55 to Lake Shore Drive north then exit on Illinois Street/Grand Avenue, follow signs to Michigan Avenue.
Consider taking public transportation
Metra
Metra trains drop riders at various locations around the city. Metra will also operate additional trains the day of the event. Additional seating capacity will be added to scheduled service in anticipation of the large crowds for the festival.
Walking, taking a taxi, riding the CTA, or taking a water taxi are all options to explore once you arrive at the main station. Visit www.metrarail.com for more information.
CTA
The CTA is also encouraged. Exit the Red Line Train via Chicago Avenue or Grand Avenue and walk east. For more information, visit www.transitchicago.com.
Parking:
The Magnificent Mile recommends reserving affordable parking in advance with SpotHero. To reserve your parking spot, visit the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.
The Millennium Park Garage and Grant Park North Garage are closest to the south end of the Lights Festival parade route on Michigan Avenue. You can pre-purchase parking for the lowest rate.
If you are looking for downtown parking near Pioneer Court for the Lights Festival parade, InterPark is a great option. Easy out after the end of night fireworks show.
Street Closures
During The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, street closures are anticipated around the district.
Main Street Closures
Closed 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 20
• Oak Street (State Street to Michigan Avenue)
• North Michigan Avenue (Oak Street to Wacker Drive)
• Upper Wacker Drive (Michigan Avenue to east turnaround)
Closed 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 20
• Upper Columbus, Southbound Lanes (Wacker Drive to Randolph)
Closed p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 20
• Upper Columbus, Northbound Lanes (Wacker Drive to Randolph)
Additional Street Closures
Closed 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 20
• Clark Street (East curb lane only Oak Street to Delaware Street)
• Delaware Street (Dearborn Street to Clark Street north curb lane only)
• Oak Street (Clark Street to State Street)
• Dearborn Street (Delaware Street to Maple Street)
• Walton Street (State Street to Clark Street)
Closed 3:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 20
• Upper Columbus (Curb lanes from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street)
• Randolph Street (Curb lanes from Michigan to Columbus)
Parking restrictions and bus reroutes will also be in effect in the areas surrounding the parade route, OEMC said.