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The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® Countdown:
November 21, 2026
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Lights Festival Lane 11am - 4pm
This beloved Chicago tradition kicks off at 11 a.m. in Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court, a festive outdoor celebration filled with free live entertainment, music, and family-friendly activities leading up to the parade. Guests can enjoy complimentary photos with Santa courtesy of Wintrust, free cheesecake decorating at Eli’s Cheesecake Pavilion benefiting Nourishing Hope, and more.
Our 2026 lineup features star-studded performances and special appearances, including:
• Billboard Music Award-winning pop-rock band Neon Trees
• Broadway star Michael James Scott, known for playing the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin
• GRAMMY Award-winning Motown and disco legend Thelma Houston
• Five-time GRAMMY nominee Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players
• Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
• Mariachi Sirenas
• Style expert and television personality Carson Kressley, serving as the event’s holiday fashion correspondent
Parade | 5:30 PM
The magic begins as Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort step off from Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, illuminating one million lights on more than 200 trees, block by block, as they lead the parade south along The Magnificent Mile®. The spectacular procession features nearly 40 brightly lit floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and musical performances, bringing holiday magic to the heart of Chicago.
Disney Favorites
Walt Disney World® Resort once again brings the holiday magic as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead the spectacular procession, dressed in their holiday finest. They'll be joined by beloved friends Goofy and Stitch aboard the colorful Holiday Garden float; Buzz Lightyear and Jessie from Toy Story aboard a giant toy wagon; Sulley bringing the magic of Monsters, Inc. to life aboard a Monstropolis-inspired float; and Anna and Elsa gliding along in a sparkling carriage wearing festive outfits inspired by Olaf's Frozen Adventure.
Walt Disney World® Resort Ambassador Kylee Withers also joins this year's holiday celebration!
Musical Performances
The musical energy shines bright with Billboard Music Award-winning pop-rock band Neon Trees, known for hits like “Everybody Talks” and “Animal”; Broadway star Michael James Scott, best known for playing the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin, performing “Brighter” with a Chicago twist; and GRAMMY Award-winning Motown and disco legend Thelma Houston, celebrating the 50th anniversary of her iconic recording of “Don’t Leave Me This Way.”
Family favorite Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players also join the evening festivities.
Top performers and marching bands from across the country return to make the parade unforgettable. Five marching bands, featuring a combined 800 musicians, will take part alongside the Petoskey Steel Drum Band, South Shore Drill Team, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Mariachi Sirenas, Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline, Uniting Voices, Cirque Wheel Jam, Chicago Pride Guard, and many more.
Special Highlights
Style expert and television personality Carson Kressley serves as the parade fashion correspondent.
Local artist Elena Fiorenza, the artist behind the 2026 Lights Festival holiday sweater, joins this year’s celebration! Guests are encouraged to wear their most outrageously festive holiday sweaters to the day-long celebration.
Mascots from Chicago sports teams join the festivities for the Wintrust Mascot Party, courtesy of Wintrust. Santa Claus and his trusty reindeer arrive aboard Wintrust’s Grand Finale float, followed by The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River!
THE WINTRUST FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR | FOLLOWINGOLLOWING THE PARADE
As the grand finale of the 35th anniversary Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival®, The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular will light up the sky over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue right after the parade on Saturday, November 21!
Featuring colorful bursts, cascading sparks, dazzling floral patterns, and shimmering effects—all choreographed to a holiday-themed soundtrack—this year's magnificent fireworks display promises to be the most spectacular in the parade's history!
WATCH IT ON TV | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Can't make it to the parade ?? Watch the holiday magic from home! Join hosts Cheryl Burton and Ryan Chiaverini for a special broadcast of the 35th Annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® on Sunday, November 22, from 6–7 p.m. CST.
Tune in to ABC 7 Chicago, stream live on abc7chicago.com or Disney+ under the Live tab, or watch through ABC 7's connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.
The program will also be available nationwide throughout the holiday season. Check your local listings for broadcast details.
Snap a photo to win a 5-day getaway to Walt Disney World® Resort!
View full T&Cs here. Good luck!
Capture the Magic. Win a Walt Disney World® Resort Getaway! ✨
Join us for the 35th Annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® on Saturday, November 21, 2026, and enter for a chance to win a 5-day, 4-night Walt Disney World® Resort vacation for four!
To enter, attend the festival on Saturday, November 21, snap a selfie or a photo of you and your family enjoying a magical moment, and follow the steps below.
1. Post your photo from the festival on your public Instagram feed by Monday, November 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.
2. Tag @themagmile in your Instagram post and include #wintrustlightsfest in your caption.
3. Follow @themagmile on Instagram to complete your entry!
Sweepstakes entries open at 11:00 a.m. CST on Saturday, November 21, and close at 5:00 p.m. CST on Monday, November 23, 2026.
Sweepstakes not affiliated with Meta or Instagram/Facebook.
View full T&Cs here. Good luck!
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