Chicago Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights: 2024 In-Depth Guide

Jaw-dropping light displays, a grand tree-lighting parade, and exceptional live entertainment. The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a dream!

Kicking off the festive season in Chicago, the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights deserves a spot in your holiday itinerary. Revel in over 200 trees, see the enormous floats, wave to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as Jolly Old St. Nicholas, and get some Yuletide cheer by watching musical presentations or visiting the thoroughfare of booths and vendors.

Ready to embrace the holiday magic? Follow along to discover everything about the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Tickets

Wondering about the tickets for the Festival of Lights 2024? Admission is free for all the events of the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Chicago. Get ready for all the festivities and enjoy your free Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024 tickets.

Magnificent Mile Light Festival Date

Curious about the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024 dates and find yourself asking when is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival? The Chicago Christmas Parade 2024 runs on November 23, 2024.

Magnificent Mile Light Festival Parade Route

The Lights Festival Magnificent Mile Parade 2024 starts on North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street down to Wacker Drive.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Details

Due to the Chicago Christmas Lights 2024 and its activities, some roads will be closed. Please arrive earlier to skip the traffic as much as possible during the Festival of Lights Chicago 2024.

Other Attractions in Chicago

The Second City is exploding with game-changing landmarks and breathtaking views. After the Chicago Christmas parade, discover the city’s top spots and upcoming events. Grab these Chicago vacation packages to not bust your budget:

• Holiday Hike: Season Sampling Food & Walking Tour
• Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Illinois
• Mercury’s Canine Cruise
• Go Chicago Explorer Pass
• Go Chicago All-Inclusive Pass
• Big Bus Tours Chicago
• Chicago Crime Tours
• Blue Man Group Chicago
• Bikes, Bites, & Brews – Chicago’s Signature Dishes

Nearby Hotels and Lodging

The Windy City boasts endless sights and attractions to delve into. Rest your tired body in Chicago by spending a night at any of the first-rate hotels.

• The Congress Plaza Hotel
• House 5863 Chicago Bed and Breakfast
  
• Comfort Inn Chicago Schaumburg – O’Hare Airport
• The Drake Hotel
• Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Schaumburg
• Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites
• InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
• Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
• The Congress Plaza Hotel
• The Willows Hotel

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Attractions

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Catch the inaugural Chicago tree lighting ceremony on North Michigan Avenue. This marks the beginning of the festival, including the holidays in Windy City. After the program, stick around for a live musical show and photo opportunities.

There will be food options throughout the Christmas tree lighting grounds, ranging from themed cuisines to quick bites. Be sure to come early to reserve a good spot as thousands of spectators are expected to gather around for this tradition.

Family Fun Activities

Keep yourselves busy while waiting for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade. The most-awaited Christmas parade Chicago has to offer promises tons of activities. As always, there will be a bunch of interactive themed activities, including meet-and-greet sessions with Santa and his elves, shopping experiences, and more special happenings.

Tree Lighting Festival Parade

Every year, the streets of 401 North Michigan Avenue sparkle with the most-awaited Chicago Parade’s adorned floats, helium-filled balloons, million lights, and character participation during the Chicago Christmas Parade. This year’s procession will be no different.

Related Post: The Most Festive Things to Do in Chicago During Christmas

The spectacle will be joined by a bunch of talented marching and high school bands, musical performers, as well as the Jolly Old Man himself. Your favorite Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will also travel from Walt Disney World Resort to lead the Chicago Lights Festival!

On top of that, there will be celebrity appearances and live shows throughout the pageant. After the Chicago Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights procession, a massive fireworks show is held over the Chicago River, the grand finale.

The event has been taking place for 32 years, attracting millions of spectators annually. Just like last year, this event will likely start at 5:30 PM, while the Lights Festival Lane will begin celebrations as early as 11 AM.

Tree Lighting Parade Broadcast

Relive the experience or enjoy the enchanting festivities of the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (previously sponsored by BMO Harris Bank) for the first time even if you’re miles away from Chicago on November 23, 2024. Tune in to the broadcast on ABC 7 and join the holiday cheer from afar.

This captivating event will reach nearly 100% of American markets and select Canadian regions. You can also stream the show on the ABC7 Chicago News app and website.

Experience the Magic

Spreading an ethereal glow to Chicago streets yearly, the Christmas Parade Chicago 2024 starts the beginning of the holiday season in the city. Soak in the twinkling displays, feast your eyes on marvelous floats, and take frame-worthy pictures with Santa Claus. Wave in delight when Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along with other delightful characters, make their appearance at the Mag Mile Lights Festival 2024.

Plus, stick around for the live musical performances Santa Claus meet and greet, and more surprises. Make sure to visit the booths of local artisans or vendors offering rare finds at the Light Festival Chicago as you hunt for the best gifts.

The Festival of Lights Chicago is a must-visit while in Chi-town, so plan a memorable trip to the Chicago parade today!