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Chicago Lakefront Trail
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holiday · Lake Michigan · Chicago

Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Saturday 21 November 2026North Michigan Avenue (The Magnificent Mile)

Chicago's 35th annual holiday lights parade down North Michigan Avenue, with a daytime festival and fireworks over the Chicago River.

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Lights Festival Lane runs from 11 AM to 4 PM with live entertainment and family activities, including photos with Santa. The parade steps off at 5:30 PM from Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, lighting more than one million lights on 200 trees, and ends with Santa's arrival. The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River follows at 7:30 PM.