A. The Magnificent Mile District and The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular – Photo credit Vito Palmisano-2

34TH Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival®

Chicago’s Grand Tree Lighting Parade

Get ready for the moment that lights up Chicago. Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort lead the parade down North Michigan Avenue, illuminating more than one million lights twinkling across 200 trees on a float celebrating the holiday spirit at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

Enjoy Illinois’ Big Lincoln giant helium balloon makes its debut this year, bringing a larger-than-life version of Illinois’ favorite son to the parade route, along with the Giant Nutcracker Balloon made possible through a whimsical partnership with the Museum of Ice Cream.

The parade sparkles with performances by The Plain White T’s, DJ White Shadow, Club Nouveau, Leo High School Choir, Voices of Liberty, Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, and so many more.

Read on for more exciting parade details!

Walt Disney World® Resort

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in contemporary holiday outfits, are set to make their way down the parade route on The Magnificent Mile. They will appear atop a festive float celebrating the holidays at “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” Walt Disney World®  Resort.

This year marks their 30th appearance lighting the lights on Michigan Avenue.

They are joined by Goofy and Stitch, with Goofy in a cheerful holiday sweater and Stitch dressed as Santa aboard the Holiday Garden float. Woody and Buzz Lightyear follow on a bright red wagon overflowing with toys from Santa, while royal sisters Anna and Elsa glide in a frosted carriage wearing holiday outfits inspired by Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.

Lifeway’s Holiday Sleigh Ride of Wellness

Joy to the gut! Lifeway's Probiotic Sleigh Ride celebrates the festive holiday season with a dazzling display of their iconic Lifeway Kefir bottles, ProBugs, and Lifeway Farmer Cheese. With Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime players bringing festive tunes and fun beats, it’s a party for your gut and your groove! Bundle up and come enjoy a taste of winter wellness with Lifeway!

Ozinga’s Merry Mixer Debuts on The Mag Mile

Ozinga’s Merry Mixer is ready to roll at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® for the first time! The Merry Mixer is one of Ozinga’s signature red-and-white striped concrete mixers adorned with more than 32,000 programmed lights. This dazzling display features animated light sequences and toe-tapping renditions of your favorite Christmas tunes.

Flood Brothers Spreads Holiday Cheer

Flood Brothers brings festive spirit to the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival with a Garbage Truck decorated in Christmas lights and a Roll Off Truck with a Roll Off Box adorned with holiday lights and decorations. Both trucks roll down North Michigan Avenue, adding a cheerful glow to this beloved Chicago tradition.

Community connection has always been at the heart of Flood Brothers. From neighborhood celebrations to parades throughout Chicagoland, they proudly support the communities they serve year round. Their participation in the Lights Festival continues that tradition, helping to keep Chicago’s holiday spirit rolling.

CN Railroad’s Little Obie Train

All aboard the CN Railroad's Little Obie Train! CN’s miniature safety train rolls through the Magnificent Mile Parade to share an important message — “See Tracks? Think Train!” Little Obie travels across North America teaching families about rail safety in a fun and memorable way. It’s a favorite for kids and adults alike, reminding everyone that staying alert around railroad tracks helps keep our communities safe.

Chicago Shines Bright

Matthew Hoffman, the Chicago artist behind the global You Are Beautiful movement, brings a special touch to this year’s celebration with a custom designed “Chicago Shines Bright” sweater created exclusively for the parade. He will appear along the route with participants wearing the sweaters, sharing uplifting messages of positivity, creativity, and community. Guests watching from the sidelines may even have the chance to receive a complimentary sweater during the parade.