Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024

A thrilling holiday celebration is approaching! Enjoy the view of Michigan Avenue where one million lights will brighten the street.

Prepare for a major celebration with the largest nighttime parade five days before Thanksgiving. 

For more than 30 years, this festival, known as the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, has been one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chicago.

The festivities have their roots dating from 1949 when the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association members installed a giant Christmas tree in Water Park. The tree was decorated with 1,500 enchanting lights that brightened the park's surroundings. On the top of the tree stood a six-foot shining star. How marvelous!

The Christmas Tree inspired the creation of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, first held in 1992. That same year, the Walt Disney Company became part of the event, making the inauguration even more special! Since then, Walt Disney World Resort has created magic at the event's venue, providing entertainment that only it can achieve.

This year, the event is scheduled for November 23, from 11 am to 4 pm.

What to Expect When Attending Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024

Expect nothing less than joy for you and your family and friends!

The festival offers a spectacular parade, known as a grand Tree Lighting Parade, that goes from Oak Street to Chicago River. This parade is full of exciting features, such as giant helium balloons, musical performances, and fabulous floats. Marching bands and Santa Claus will also be there, but the event's most joyous guests are surely Minnie and Mickey Mouse! These two big-eyed mice from Walt Disney World, dressed in Christmas red, give the event all the magnificence.

You can enjoy the festival for free!

Dress in layers as the weather forecast predicts a chilly day. Temperatures will range around 9°C (48°F) during the day and 0°C (32°F) during the night. Grab hot tea or coffee at the event to keep yourself warm!

More than one million spectators will gather at Michigan Avenue! Join them!

Security Protocols

• Police presence: Police officers will be positioned along the venue to manage the crowd and keep everyone safe. They will also take care of pedestrian crossing and vehicle movements.
• Medical assistance: First aid stations will be stationed throughout the venue to respond to any medical emergency.
• Bag checks: At the entry points, police officers will check small bags.
• Prohibited items: Large bags and backpacks, alcohol, and dangerous objects won't be allowed.

How to Get To or From the Event

There are several options to get to the event:

• Bus: Several bus routes run along Michigan Avenue. You can take buses #3, #147, or #151 to get you to the festival.
• Train: The Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Red Line will get you to the Chicago Station or Grand Station. Both of them are close to the event's venue.
• L Train: The Brown or Blue lines can connect you to the Red Line or bus routes that go to the event.
• Metra Train: Metra trains are a great option if you're coming from the suburbs.
• Car: You can go by car, but keep in mind the street closures! There are parking areas near the event's grounds, just arrive earlier to secure your spot.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024 Bag Policy

As mentioned, large bags and backpacks are not allowed, and there's no area to store them near the festival.

Don't worry! We have a simple solution for you.

Bounce is an online platform that helps you store your luggage at secure local business spots, such as hotels or cafes. All you need to do is use our website or our mobile app, check for the locations in Chicago, and contact a Bounce partner. They will do the rest!

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024 Bag Storage

Store Your Luggage With Bounce and Have the Time of Your Life at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The process is simple!

Contact a Bounce partner, and with their help, find a perfect spot to store your luggage somewhere in Paris. The price is only $5.90 per day, with 24/7 support and no cancellation fee. Your only job is to make the most out of your visit to this Lights Festival. We will do the rest!

How to Stow Your Bag at Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024 With Bounce

Follow these easy steps:

• Easy booking: Contact a Bounce partner after looking for the location and pay online in a few taps.
• Go to the location: Arrive there and show the confirmation so you can store your bags.
• Enjoy the festival: Have fun and enjoy the festivities!

How to Make the Most Out of Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2024

• Explore the area: You can go on a holiday shopping trip, as this area is rich with stores that offer gifts and clothes for the holiday season.
• Have a hearty dinner: The area has plenty of excellent restaurants; enjoy the food in a festive and warm atmosphere!
• Participate in family-friendly activities: Delight your little ones with fun activities such as photo opportunities—imagine their joy after a photo with Santa Claus or Mickey Mouse.
• Capture the moment: Bring your camera to capture memorable moments of the beautiful holiday season.

Head to Chicago and store your luggage with Bounce! The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will bring light into your life!