Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival marks its 35th year on Saturday, November 21, 2026, according to the organizer. The day starts with Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music, photos with Santa, cheesecake decorating and holiday food vendors. The parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. from Oak Street and Michigan Avenue and moves south along the Magnificent Mile, lighting the trees block by block as it passes.

Grand marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort lead about 40 illuminated floats, giant helium balloons and marching bands, with Santa closing the parade on the Wintrust Grand Finale float. The organizer lists the fireworks over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue at 7:30 p.m., visible from Wacker Drive. Everything is free.

ABC7 Chicago airs the parade on Sunday, November 22 from 6 to 7 p.m., with streaming on Disney+ and syndication through December 31.

Plan your visit

Take the Red Line to Chicago or Grand and walk east; the 146, 147 and 151 buses run Michigan Avenue but are rerouted from mid-afternoon. Michigan Avenue and cross streets close to cars from about 3 p.m., and Streeterville garages jam, so don’t drive in. The sidewalks between Chicago Avenue and the river fill two hours before step-off; the blocks north of Chicago Avenue near Oak Street are easier for families with strollers. For the fireworks, the Wacker Drive bridges and the Riverwalk edge fill fast. Dress for cold and a long stand.