hero-img
batch-icon

Lights Festival Lane

Free family fun, live entertainment, and holiday magic — all in one place.

A Day of Holiday Fun Awaits!

Kick off your holiday celebration at Lights Festival Lane on Saturday, November 22 from 11 am to 4 pm! Enjoy a live performance by Chicago's own Plain White T's, Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Leo High School Choir and more. Plus festive activities for the whole family, and special experiences including Wintrust Photos with Santa and slice decorating with Eli's Cheesecake. Join us at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue, for a full day of holiday fun before the parade steps off at 5:30 pm!
Details are below for a full day of fun!
Newsletter (8.5 x 8 in)-1

2025 Performance Lineup

A spirited blend of Chicago favorites, national talent, and magical holiday showcases.

11 AM Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players
12 PM The Rhythm Messengers
12:30 PM 'Twas the Night Before… Cirque du Soleil
1 PM The Plain White T’s 
1:30 PM 'Twas the Night Before… Cirque du Soleil
2 PM Leo High School Choir
2:30 PM 'Twas the Night Before… Cirque du Soleil
3 PMVoices of Liberty from EPCOT® at Walt Disney World® Resort

Festive Experiences for Everyone

15_Lights_Festival_Santa_02

Wintrust Photos with Santa

Visit the Wintrust Pavilion to have your complimentary photo taken with Santa Claus in a beautiful holiday scene! Plus balloon twisting and photos instantly available via email or text using convenient photo kiosks.

16_Lights_Festival_Elis_Cheesecake_12

Decorate Your Own Eli’s Cheesecake Slice

FREE Eli’s Cheesecake slice decorating with the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. Donate $5 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and get a free individually wrapped cheesecake slice to take home OR donate $20 or more and get a free whole cheesecake! Credit cards only. (One per person, while supplies last)

11_Lights_Festival_Ballet_Fans_07

Snowglobe Photo Experience by Ballet 5:8

Step into the magic of Christmas with Ballet 5:8! Visit our enchanting Snowglobe Photo Op — featuring a live ballerina in a sparkling Beyond the Nutcracker Angel costume. Guests can take festive photos next to the life-size snowglobe, meet the dancer, and learn more about Ballet 5:8’s holiday production Beyond the Nutcracker.

Serve Robotics_Chicago 1

MEET THE ROBOTS WITH SERVE ROBOTICS!

Stop by the Serve Robotics booth to get an up-close look at our sidewalk delivery robots in action. Discover how we’re helping make Chicago deliveries more sustainable, safe, and accessible — one robot at a time!

14_Lights_Festival_Dunkin_06

Dunkin’ Holiday Giveaways

Dunkin’ is bringing major holiday cheer to Lights Festival Lane with a lineup of festive giveaways. Guests can pick up cozy Ugly Sweaters, beanies, winter hats, sunglasses, bandanas, and gift cards, along with fun surprises throughout the day. Plus, enjoy FREE coffee samples and fresh Munchkins for the perfect seasonal pick me up.

Screenshot 2025-11-17 075023

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

Stop by Navy Pier’s booth to learn more about Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier, Chicago’s largest indoor winter playground. Get details on ticketing, attractions, and festive activities for all ages, including thrilling rides, giant slides, ice skating, and holiday fun. Chat with our team, pick up event information, and get a sneak peek of the magic coming to Navy Pier this season.

03_Lights_Festival_Parade_228

Sip, Smile, and Cheer with Kefir

Stop by the booth for a refreshing pick me up that keeps you feeling good all season long. Enjoy delicious kefir packed with probiotics and goodness for your gut, plus a boost for your holiday mood.

13_Lights_Festival_CN_Railway_02

All Aboard for Holiday Fun with CN Railroad!

Bring the whole family and stop by the CN Railroad booth at Lights Festival Lane! Kids and adults alike can spin our Rail Safety Prize Wheel to win fun CN-branded prizes and learn simple, important tips about staying safe around trains. Our friendly CN team will be there to chat, hand out goodies, and share in the holiday fun. Come say hi, grab a prize, and remember — “See Tracks? Think Train!”

esoVlQnU VP-1

Holiday Fun with Illinois Lottery!

The Illinois Lottery will be bringing their fun to the festival! Stop by their display, play your favorite games, and enjoy a chance to take home some great prizes.

JNP112324_-129

2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid

Join Kia at the Lights Festival Lane (401 North Michigan Avenue) on Saturday, November 22 for a festive experience! Our display will feature the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid, showcasing its innovative design and family-friendly versatility. Our team of five Kia brand representatives will be on-site to answer questions and guide guests through the latest Kia features. Visitors can also connect with local dealerships using our on-site tablets—and as a thank-you for filling out the form, you’ll receive a free LED Christmas light necklace to brighten up your festival experience!

Screenshot 2025-11-20 195504

'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil

'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil – the celebrated holiday theatrical returns to The Chicago Theatre this holiday season, featuring the incredible acrobatics and festive fun Cirque du Soleil is known for. Inspired by the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” Cirque du Soleil’s only holiday show showcases mesmerizing aerial straps duo, daring hoop diving, gravity-defying hair suspension, high-energy dancing and more – all in the spirit of the season. Visit the 'Twas booth for special performances, a fun giveaway, and a deal on tickets to see the show live at The Chicago Theatre.

00_Lights_Festival_Pioneer_Court_12-1

The Magnificent Mile® Association Information Booth

Celebrate the season with us at The Magnificent Mile® Association Information Booth! Stop by for details about the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival®, including parade times, stage performances, and activities along the Avenue.

Thank you to our Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® Light Lane sponsors:

Ballet 58 (5)
Explore The Magnificent Mile (1112 x 872 px) (2160 x 1080 px) (8)
Thank you to our Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® Light Lane sponsors: