The 32nd annual festival and parade produced by The Magnificent Mile Association draws more than 1 million visitors to watch grand marshals Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from Walt Disney World Resort lead a parade while illuminating 1 million lights on 200 trees along Michigan Avenue.
The festival begins at Lights Festival Lane (401 N. Michigan Ave.) at 11 a.m. with free family-friendly activities and live music that continues throughout the day. The nation’s largest evening holiday parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. with 40 glittering floats, giant helium balloons, and musical celebrities such as Sister Sledge, American Idol finalist Colin Stough, The Sugarhill Gang and The Funky Bunch. The event will conclude at 7 p.m. with The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular.
New this year: Guests are invited to wear outrageous holiday sweaters to join an attempt to break a world record for the most holiday sweaters in one gathering.
For more information, visit http://www.themagnificentmile.com.
—Andrew Davis