Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue will shine even brighter during the 31st annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 22, 2025. This beloved holiday tradition combines a parade, lights, music, tree lighting and family activities for joy-filled holiday fun.
Photo courtesy of Magnificent Mile Fest
The event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. starting at Lights Festival Lane (401 North Michigan Avenue) with a festive line-up of booths and family activities, including photos with Santa Claus.
A tree lighting ceremony opens the nighttime events at 5:30 pm, which culminates with a parade down North Michigan Avenue with Mickey and Minnie Mouse as grand marshals.
Photo Courtesy of Magnificent Mile Lights Fest
Over 200 trees are festooned with one million lights for the largest night-time parade in the U.S. Live performances, celebrities, marching bands, floats make the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival the most anticipated parade of the season.
Head to Pioneer Court, at 401 N. Michigan, to explore the activities at Lights Festival Lane, from 11-4 pm. Participate in family fun activities like photos with Santa and balloon art.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
November 22, 2025, 11 am- 8 pm
Free
Whitney says
oh my gosh this is so overwhelming for someone coming from out of town unfamiliar with the city….just wanting to bring kids to the parade! Yikes! Happy Holiday Season everyone!! Any Chicago natives have tips for me or is anyone willing to be my guide? I’m going to have 4 kids age 5 months -8 years old and we can’t get to town until about 3:30pm. Trying to figure out where to watch from so they can see.
Carol says
Welcome to Chicago! Over half a million people will be lining Michigan Avenue three, four or more deep. If you want to see something it is strongly advised that you arrive very early. If you are the lone adult in charge of 4 young children you may want to reconsider attempting to navigate these crowds as you may get separated and at 3:30PM it will be getting dark soon. As a downtown resident I don’t attend events like this as they’re too crowded. Good luck. Consider bundling up and heading to Millennium Park (Christmas Tree, Santa, the bean) and Maggie Daley Park (huge children’s play area) on Sunday.