Chicago’s holiday season officially begins with a parade of lights! The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returns on Saturday, November 21, 2026, celebrating its 35th anniversary as the largest nighttime parade in the United States — and, as Happy City News readers know, one of the happiest nights of the year in Chicago.
The free, family-friendly celebration starts early. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lights Festival Lane transforms Pioneer Court, at 401 N. Michigan Avenue, into an interactive holiday wonderland with photos with Santa Claus, live performances, tasty treats and activities for kids of all ages.
Then, at 5:30 p.m., the grand tree-lighting parade steps off at Oak Street and marches south down Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive. Grand marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead a joyful procession of marching bands from across the country, dozens of glittering holiday floats and giant helium balloons, while more than one million lights twinkle to life on over 200 trees lining the famous avenue. Santa Claus himself brings up the rear on the grand finale float.
The night closes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River at about 7:30 p.m., near the DuSable Bridge. For the best views with a little more elbow room, organizers suggest the east side of Michigan Avenue near the north end of the route. Michigan Avenue closes to traffic as early as 3 p.m., so hop on the CTA Red Line to the Grand, Lake or Chicago stops instead. Can’t make it in person? The parade airs on ABC7 Chicago on Sunday, November 22 at 6 p.m.
Photo: Ragulikethesauce via Choose Chicago
