Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade: When It Starts and Where to Go

CHICAGO, IL — The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival celebrates its 25th annivesary this weekend with a tree-lighting parade and an extra day of celebration.

Here's a look at the schedule and some of the details surrounding the event.

The Lights Festival

Friday, Nov. 18

• 4 to 8 p.m.: Lights Festival Lane will be in Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave, and opens a day early with more than a dozen family friendly activities, as well as live music and a visit from Santa Claus.
• 4 to 5 p.m.: The second annual tree lighting at the Wrigley Building.

Saturday, Nov. 19

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Lights Festival Lane continues with live music and Santa Claus.
• 5:30 to 7 p.m.: The festival's parade travels down North Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive.
• 6:55 p.m.: A fireworks display over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue will be held after the parade finishes.
• 7 to 9 p.m.: Some stores in the Magnificent Mile District will have extended shopping hours.

RELATED: Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: When to See It and Where to Go

The Tree-Lighting Parade

The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Oak Street and North Michigan Avenue, heading south to Wacker Drive. The grand marshals of the procession will be Mickey and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World.

Street Closings

• As early as 3:30 p.m.: Dusable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) will be closed to pedestrian traffic.
• 4 p.m.: North Michigan Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic between Oak Street and Wacker Drive.

Broadcast

The parade will air live at 6 p.m. on WLS-TV (Channel 7).

Go to the festival's website for more information about the celebration.

photo from screen capture via Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

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