The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade has returned to Chicago, marking its 34th anniversary. Scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving, the event features beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the Walt Disney World Resort, illuminating North Michigan Avenue with festive spirit. This year’s parade will be broadcast live by ABC7 on Sunday, November 23, 2023, at 18:00.
A highlight of the festival was a free concert by Plain White T’s, which took place at 13:00 before they participated in the parade. The lineup also includes performances by DJ White Shadow, a GRAMMY-winning producer and Chicago native, who debuted a Chicago-themed float. Additionally, Club Nouveau will perform their classic hit “Lean on Me.”
The festival and parade are anticipated to attract up to one million spectators, making it the largest evening parade in the United States and the third-largest in the country. Organizers have promised a spectacular display featuring floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and numerous celebrities, culminating with the arrival of Santa Claus.
Holiday Spirit and Community Participation
The festival includes the illumination of one million lights on over 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue. This dazzling display signifies the official start of the holiday season not only in Chicago but also across Illinois and nationwide.
Attendees are encouraged to wear festive holiday sweaters in a bid to break the record for the most worn at a parade. The festival also features Lights Festival Lane, which operates from 11:00 to 16:00 at Pioneer Court, located at 401 N. Michigan Ave.
The parade is set to run from 17:30 to 19:30, moving south on North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive. A fireworks display over the Chicago River will conclude the evening’s festivities, providing a stunning backdrop to the celebrations.
For further details and updates, visitors can check TheMagnificentMile.com. ABC7 Chicago proudly sponsors this cherished annual tradition, which continues to bring joy and excitement to the community.
