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Lights Festival Lane

Saturday, November 21 | 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Pioneer Court | 401 N. Michigan Avenue

A Day of Holiday Fun Awaits!

Kick off the holiday season with a free afternoon of live music and festive fun in Lights Festival Lane! Celebrate the festival’s 35th anniversary with performances by Billboard Music Award-winning pop-rock band Neon Trees, Broadway star Michael James Scott, GRAMMY Award-winning Motown and disco legend Thelma Houston, Chicago’s own Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, and Mariachi Sirenas. 

 Style expert and TV personality Carson Kressley joins the fun as the event’s holiday fashion correspondent. Families can also enjoy free photos with Santa courtesy of Wintrust, free cheesecake decorating at Eli’s Cheesecake Pavilion benefiting Nourishing Hope, and more festive fun for all ages. So pull on your most outrageously festive holiday sweater and join us! 

Explore all the festive experiences waiting for you below!

Festive Experiences for Everyone

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Snap a Photo with Santa and Wintrust

Make a memory with Santa! Bring the whole family to Wintrust’s Pavilion for a complimentary photo with Santa in a winter wonderland of snowmen, skating animals, and peppermint-sweet decor. Balloon twisting and complimentary instant photos are courtesy of Wintrust. It’s snow much fun!

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Decorate Your Own Eli’s Cheesecake Slice

FREE Eli’s Cheesecake slice decorating with the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. Donate $5 to Nourishing Hope 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)

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Sweets with Dunkin’

Sip, celebrate, and get into the holiday spirit with Dunkin’ at Lights Festival Lane! Stop by the Dunkin’ activation from 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. for a festive pick-me-up, including a refreshing Dunkin’ Refresher, cozy Hot Chocolate, or a dreamy Cloud Latte. Enjoy a little extra holiday cheer with Dunkin' Munchkins, exclusive merch and a fun, gamified experience for the whole family!

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All Aboard for Holiday Fun with CN Railway!

Bring the whole family and stop by the CN Railroad booth at Lights Festival Lane! Kids and adults can spin our Rail Safety Prize Wheel for a chance to win fun CN-branded prizes while learning a few simple, important tips for staying safe around trains and railroad tracks. Our CN team will be there to say hello, hand out giveaways, answer questions about railroads and trains, and join in the holiday fun. Stop by, grab a prize, and remember: “See Tracks? Think Train!”

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Holiday Cheer at Navy Pier

Celebrate the season with Navy Pier! Visit the Navy Pier booth at Lights Festival Lane from 11 AM to 4 PM for a chance to win prizes, including rides on the Centennial Wheel and Wintrust Winter WonderFest tickets. The fun continues after the Lights Festival with even more fireworks at Navy Pier at 8:30 PM!

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Explore the 2027 Kia Carnival

Join Kia at the Lights Festival Lane (401 North Michigan Avenue) on Saturday, November 21 for a festive experience! Our display will feature the 2027 Kia Carnival, 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!

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Sip into the Season with Lifeway Kefir

Stop by the Lifeway Kefir booth throughout the festival to sample our delicious, probiotic-rich kefir flavors and learn more about the benefits of cultured dairy and gut health. Winter is the perfect time of year to support your body with extra care, and Lifeway Kefir’s probiotics are a great place to start since they support the microbiome and immune system. Filled with complete protein, Lifeway Kefir also tastes great and is easy to enjoy! Our team will be providing complimentary kefir samples, answering any questions, and sharing information about Lifeway. Visitors can also pick up fun Lifeway-branded swag and promotional giveaways while supplies last.

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Test Your Skills with Northwestern Medicine

Visit the Northwestern Medicine tent at Lights Festival Lane for a hands-on activity inspired by health and science for the whole family. Test your skills with a life-size Operation-style game and learn more about Northwestern Medicine’s 200+ locations across the Chicago area.

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Holiday Fun with Illinois Lottery!

This holiday season, go BIG with the Illinois Lottery. Visit the Illinois Lottery’s display, and if you purchase any Illinois Lottery ticket, you’ll get a chance to receive a giveaway. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a fun holiday photo on-site. Don’t forget that Illinois Lottery Holiday Instant Tickets make great gifts for friends, family, and loved ones who are 18 or older. Happy Holidays! Be Smart, Gift Smart. Must be 18 or older to play. Game odds available at illinoislottery.com. While supplies last. One prize per person 18 years of age or older.

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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. Be sure to pick up our limited-edition 35th anniversary commemorative holiday ornament, available for purchase while supplies last.

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

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