2025 Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade to step off down Michigan Avenue in Chicago this November
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade will return for a 34th year in November.

The event is set for the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 22, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort, illuminating North Michigan Avenue.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The festival and parade draw up to one million people to witness the largest evening parade in the U.S., and the third-largest parade in the country, organizers said.

There will also be floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances and, of course, Santa Claus.

“The festival features the illumination of one million lights on over 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue, marking the official start of the holiday season in Chicago, throughout Illinois and nationwide,” organizers said.

Attendees are asked to wear holiday sweaters in an effort to break a record for the most at a parade.

See details:

Lights Festival Lane: 11 am. to 4 p.m. at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago
Parade: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., south on North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
Fireworks Display: North Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River

Visit TheMagnificentMile.com for more information.

ABC7 Chicago is a proud sponsor of the event.

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this ABC station.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Head of America's 'free enterprise' college optimistic about academia despite left-wing bias: 'there is hope'

Why the Free Enterprise College Leader Sees a Bright Future Amid Academic Left-Wing Bias

PHOENIX — Despite the prevalent perception of excessive administrative layers and a…
Neighborhood fights back against developers building new apartments

Local Community Rallies Against Developers: The Battle to Preserve Neighborhood Charm

In Houston, a Mexican-American community is expressing deep frustration as developers propose…
Jimmy Kimmel says 'tyranny is booming' in US in 'alternative' Christmas message to UK

Jimmy Kimmel Critiques Rising ‘Tyranny’ in the US in Alternative Christmas Message to UK Audience

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel delivered a unique “Alternative Christmas Message” on Thursday aimed…
Former University of Illinois Chicago hospital contractor Glenn Rhymes pleads guilty after showing patient gun in facility lobby

Ex-UIC Hospital Contractor Admits Guilt in Shocking Gun Incident: What Happened in the Lobby?

In a startling incident that unfolded at the University of Illinois Chicago…
Year-end tax trap if you don't act BEFORE December 31: Expert guide

Avoid the Year-End Tax Trap: Expert Tips to Maximize Savings Before December 31

A unique twist in Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is…
Gordon Ramsay's daughter Holly ties the knot with Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty

Celebrity Wedding Bells: Holly Ramsay Marries Olympic Champion Adam Peaty in Star-Studded Ceremony

Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty began their romantic journey in June 2023…
Russia strikes Ukraine ahead of Trump-Zelensky meeting

Russia’s Aggressive Move: Airstrikes in Ukraine Set the Stage for High-Stakes Trump-Zelensky Summit

In a series of early morning strikes on Ukraine, Russia has left…
Gilded Age mansion is transformed after it's saved from demolition

Historic Gilded Age Mansion Rescued from Demolition and Beautifully Restored

A once-dilapidated mansion from the Gilded Age has experienced a remarkable revival,…