CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The 28th annual BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off Friday and continues Saturday with the tree-lighting parade.
The festival is said to be “the country’s largest evening holiday celebration", according to the Magnificent Mile Association.
BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival includes a parade led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse down Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, lighting 200 trees along the route. The parade concludes at the Chicago River, with a grand finale fireworks display. The event is anticipated to draw a crowd of 800,000 people.
Repeating last year, the event has an early kick off on Friday night in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue), with ‘Lights Festival Lane.’ Guests will be able to participate in a variety of family-friendly activities, plus live music and a visit with Santa Claus. Guests can also enjoy treats from Garrett Popcorn, Frango, The Eli’s Cheesecake Company and more.
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:
Look out for musical performances and special appearances in the tree-lighting parade. Plus, live concerts return to the BMO Harris Bank stage. Catch your favorite artists starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with meet-and-greets during the afternoon.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, Nov. 224 p.m. – 8 p.m.– Lights Festival Lane, located in Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave:The area opens the evening before the parade with more than a dozen family-friendly activities. Guests can listen to live music and have the chance to visit with Santa Claus. There will be an interactive wonderland filled with holiday-themed activities. There will also be food and snacks from Garrett Popcorn, Frango, The Eli’s Cheesecake Company and more.
Saturday, Nov. 23ALL DAY-Enjoy holiday experiences and special offers at participating retailers, restaurants and attractions around The Magnificent Mile District!
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.-Lights Festival Lane, located in Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave:Guests can listen to live music and have the chance to visit with Santa Claus. There will be an interactive wonderland filled with holiday-themed activities, including the BMO Harris Kid's Zone. There will also be food and snacks from Connie’s Pizza, Garrett Popcorn, The Eli’s Cheesecake Company and more.
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.-The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Tree-Lighting Parade:The parade steps off 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. Look out for lively appearances made by Hubert the Lion, Benny the Bull and other well-known Chicago mascots from BMO Harris Bank.
6:55 p.m.-Fireworks Spectacular:Enjoy a fireworks display over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue.
Tree-Lighting Parade Route:
The tree-lighting parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Oak Street, heading south on Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive.
11:30 a.m.: Echosmith, presented by BMO Harris Bank
12:30 p.m.: Parachute, presented Hornblower Cruises and Events
1:30 p.m.: Skylar Stecker, presented by Southwest Airlines
2:30 p.m.: Ryan Cabrera, presented by T-Mobile
Don't miss your chance to meet your favorite performers in person on Saturday. Meet & Greets require wristbands, first come first serve while supplies last. Please visit the BMO Harris Bank Helper Tent at Lights Festival Lane for more information.
11 a.m.: Ryan Cabrera at the T-Mobile Flagship Store (700 N Michigan Avenue)
12 p.m.: Echosmith, presented by BMO Harris Bank
1 p.m.: Parachute, presnented by Hornblower Cruises and Events
2 p.m.: Skylar Stecker, presented by Southwest Airlines
Performances on ABC7 Chicago's Broadcast:
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 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.
The CTA is also encouraged. Exit the Red Line Train via Chicago Avenue or Grand Avenue and walk east.
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 percent 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.
Millennium Park Garage5 S Columbus Dr.Chicago, IL 60601
Grant Park North Garage25 N Michigan Ave.Chicago, IL 60602
InterPark parking garages also have multiple locations near the Lights Festival parade. You can also purchase parking in advance with one of their garages.
Street Closures
Main Street Closures