Everything you need to know about the Wintrust Mag Mile Lights Festival

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® is returning for its 33rd year on Sat., Nov. 23, offering a dazzling display of lights, music and holiday magic along Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue. As the largest evening parade in the U.S., this festive spectacle marks the official start of Chicago’s holiday season and is expected to attract nearly a million spectators, both in person and through broadcast syndication across the U.S. and Canada.

Beginning at 11 a.m., festival-goers can enjoy Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court, filled with interactive family-friendly activities, leading up to the main events. The evening parade will step off at 5:30 p.m., with the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular lighting up the Chicago River to close the night.

This year’s Lights Festival promises top-tier entertainment. The Former Ladies of Chic will bring disco hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times” to the celebration, and legendary funk band Cameo will perform crowd-pleasers such as “Word Up!” and “Candy.” Quad City DJ’s, famous for “C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)” and “Space Jam,” will entertain from the Wintrust Express, joined by mascots from Chicago and Milwaukee sports teams, plus Illinois Olympians Shemier Little and Alexa Knierim.

Other musical acts include DJ Chip E. on the Choose Chicago float, celebrating the 40th anniversary of House Music, and Lee Michaels, Official Game DJ for the Chicago Blackhawks, joining the Enjoy Illinois float alongside the Pack Drumline and mascot Big Lincoln.

The parade will feature classic characters and festive floats that bring beloved Disney magic to life, including a new holiday float led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort. Special appearances by Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, and other Disney favorites will add extra holiday cheer.

In an exciting twist, this year introduces larger-than-life Muppet balloons, including a 60-foot Santa Kermit The Frog and Animal. Santa Claus himself will appear on Wintrust’s Grand Finale float, escorted by the new Kia Carnival HEV and K4 vehicles, before the night closes with a breathtaking fireworks show over the Chicago River.

Bands and drumlines from across the U.S. are joining the parade lineup to keep the holiday beats strong. Highlights include the Loveland High School Band from Ohio, Greendale High School Band from Wisconsin, the popular Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline from Illinois, and the Petoskey Steel Drum Band from Michigan, making a welcome return thanks to sponsorship from HDR.

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® is free to attend and will be broadcast on ABC7 Chicago on November 24th from 6 to 7 p.m., with on-demand viewing available through the holiday season. For more information, visit [TheMagnificentMile.com](http://www.themagnificentmile.com).

Festival Details:

- When: Saturday, November 23, 2024

- Lights Festival Lane: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. CST

- Parade and Fireworks: 5:30–7:30 p.m. CST

- Where: Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.), parade along N. Michigan Ave.

- Cost: Free and open to the public