Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Schedule of Events
The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returns in 2019, starting at Lights Festival Lane at 4:00PM on Friday, November 22 and then again at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 23.
Free, family fun culminates in the grand Tree-Lighting Parade down North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, November 23 with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resorts Florida.
Check out our 2019 Holiday Activity Guide for a full schedule of events, a list of Lights Festival Lane holiday activities, featured holiday offers, exclusive BMO Perks, and more!
Friday, November 22
Resident’s Night at Lights Festival Lane, presented by Southwest Airlines
4:00 – 8:00pm: Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue) opens the evening before the parade with more than a dozen family-friendly activities from Chicago favorites and popular brands—plus live music and a visit with Santa Claus! Explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities, and sample treats from crowd favorites Garrett Popcorn, Frango, The Eli’s Cheesecake Company, and more.
Saturday, November 23
Lights Festival Lane
11:00am – 4:00pm: Explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue), including the BMO Harris Kid’s Zone. Santa Claus is always ready to greet guests, alongside more than a dozen holiday-themed activities.
All Day: Enjoy holiday experiences and special offers at participating retailers, restaurants, and attractions around The Magnificent Mile District! Plus, being a BMO Harris customer has it’s perks!
BMO Harris Bank Stage
Live musical performances return to the BMO Harris Bank stage this year! Enjoy free concerts on Saturday, November 23, plus meet-and-greets with your favorite artists.
Meet & Greets
Don’t miss your chance to meet your favorite performers in person on Saturday, November 23! Meet & Greets require wristbands, first come first serve while supplies last. Please visit the BMO Harris Bank Helper Tent at Lights Festival Lane for more information.
Prepare for the parade!
As early as 3:30pm: Dusable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) closes to pedestrian traffic.
4:00pm: North Michigan Avenue closes to vehicular traffic between Oak Street and Wacker Drive.
5:30-7:00pm: The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival tree-lighting parade steps onto North Michigan Avenue at Oak Street. Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and their friends from the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida travel down North Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive, lighting one million lights along the way! The procession features spectacular floats, helium-filled balloons, marching bands and top musical performers. Look out for lively appearances made by Hubert the Lion, Benny the Bull and other well-known Chicago mascots from BMO Harris Bank.
6:55pm: Fireworks spectacular over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue.
Sunday, November 24
6:00pm: Tune in to ABC 7 Chicago for the parade broadcast!
Want to watch the parade again? The broadcast is syndicated to more than 90% of the United States throughout the holiday season, so check your local listings!
For more information visit: Mag Mile Lights Festival Guide or https://www.themagnificentmile.com/lights-festival/
