Schedule of Events
The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival offers a full lineup of activities, starting bright and early in the morning and continuing throughout the evening. See what fun is in store for you on this magical day!
Lights Festival Lane (click here!)
11:00am – 5:00pm
Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue
Take a photo with Santa, decorate a slice of Eli’s Cheesecake or savor a bag of the oh-so-delicious Chicago Mix from Garrett Popcorn Shops. It’s non-stop holiday fun in Lights Festival Lane, an interactive holiday wonderland. Plus, you won’t be far from the exciting, live performances with Lights Festival Lane located next to the BMO Harris Bank Stage in Pioneer Court. Lights Festival Lane opens at 11am.
BMO Harris Bank Stage (click here!)
11:00am – 3:45pm
BMO Harris Bank Stage, Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue
Join us at the BMO Harris Bank stage the afternoon of November 23, 2013, for a series of musical performances by top artists. Stage performances begin at 11am.
Check back for 2013 artist announcements.
Tree-Lighting Parade (click here!)
5:30pm – 7:00pm
North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
Is there anything more magical than North Michigan Avenue 
illuminated with twinkling white lights throughout the holiday season? Watch the magic happen live! Grand marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead an extraordinary Tree-Lighting Parade down North Michigan Avenue with magnificent floats, giant helium-filled balloons, lively marching bands, classic characters from Walt Disney World and Resort and live performances from top musical artists. Plus, as the grand finale to the event, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River. Parade begins at 5:30pm at Oak Street & Michigan Avenue, traveling south on Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive.
Not able to make it to the Lights Festival? Watch it LIVE on ABC7 Chicago! You can still kick off your holidays with The Magnificent Mile! The Lights Festival will be broadcast LIVE on ABC7 Chicago at 6 pm CST on November 23, 2013, and is rebroadcast across the country throughout the holiday season. Check back for when it will be airing in your city.
Fireworks Spectacular
6:57pm
North Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River
As a grand finale to the parade, a spectacular fireworks show will begin at 6:55 p.m. over the Chicago River. The fireworks are choreographed by Rocco Saliano of Lumina, Inc. and offer a perfect ending to the fun-filled day of holiday activities and events! Fireworks blast off at 6:55pm over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue.
In-Business Events (click here!)
The holiday spirit is in the air in The Magnificent Mile district. Stores, restaurants, hotels and attractions are celebrating with a host of special events starting November 1st with extra special offers Lights Festival weekend (November 23 – 24, 2013) and continuing throughout the holiday season.
Extended Shopping Hours! (click here!)
Get a head start on your holiday shopping with extended shopping hours at participating stores on The Magnificent Mile on November 23 and throughout the holiday season! After you shop til you drop, consider dining downtown or staying at one our many magnificent hotels.
Share this:
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by BMO Harris Bank
Holiday Activity Guide
Watch Highlights from
the 2012 Lights Festival
