Top Viewing Spots

Remember that Michigan Avenue is less crowded on the east side of the street, especially on the north end of the parade route.

The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular happens over the DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) at approximately 7:00 p.m., so standing along Wacker Drive is a prime place to view the show!

If you want to get your favorite spot for the tree lighting parade, be sure to make your way either direction across the bridge before 3:00 p.m.

Wear Your Outrageously Awesome Holiday Sweater and Collect Your Wristband

Let's together break our existing record for the most holiday sweaters at a parade! Collect a wristband from a world record steward along Michigan Avenue so that you and your sweater are counted. Wristbands will be handed out from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. along the parade route.

Wheelchair Accessible Viewing is Available for the Parade and Fireworks

· Arriving by Car: Wheelchair automobile drop-off will be available in the northbound curb lane of Wabash Avenue just North of Trump International Hotel. Look for our volunteer team to assist.

· Area entrance: You may access this plaza from Wabash Avenue (above Hubbard Street) along the walkway or by Michigan Avenue from the North. Look for our volunteer team to assist.

Please note: DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) closes as early as 3:00pm to pedestrian traffic, so be sure to cross over before that time, or consider an alternate route such as N. Columbus Drive Bridge. Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive will close as early as 3:00pm to vehicular traffic.

*Due to limited available space, only one guest will be permitted with each individual in a wheelchair to ensure that we can accommodate as many people as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Getting Here

We encourage the use of public transportation to get downtown. Most Metra lines offer weekend service, and customers can buy a Saturday Day Pass for just $7. Plus, up to three children 11 and under can ride free with each fare-paying adult. For more information go to metra.com.

Parking

Millennium Garages offers 15% off our lowest online rates for the Light Festival Parade.  Grant Park North, Millenium Park and Lakeside Garages are located closest to the south end of the parade route.  Enter promo code LIGHTS24 to receive 15% off 12-hours or more and a chance to win a week of free parking.  Planning a holiday staycation?  Our Extended Stay parking includes Unlimited In/Out Access for the duration of your stay.  Promo code valid from November 16 - January 2, 2025 

Event Schedule

The Magnificent Mile® Association will celebrate The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® this year on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The day’s events include:

11am–4pm   Festive thoroughfare of booths open in Lights Festival Lane, 401 N Michigan Avenue

5:30 pm    The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade starts at Oak Street and Michigan Avenue

7:15 pm    The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular, Chicago River and Michigan Avenue 

Street Closures

To successfully execute all planned activities, we anticipate the following street closures:

MAINSTREET CLOSURES:
Closed 3 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 22
 • Oak Street (State Street to Michigan Avenue)
 • North Michigan Avenue (Oak Street to Wacker Drive)
 • Upper Wacker Drive (Michigan Avenue to east turnaround)
Closed 5:00 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 22
 • Upper Columbus (Wacker Drive to Randolph)
 
ADDITIONAL STREET CLOSURES:
Closed 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 22
 • Clark Street (East curb lane only Oak Street to Delaware Street)
 • Delaware Street (Dearborn Street to Clark Street north curb lane only)
 • Oak Street (Clark Street to State Street)
 • Dearborn Street (Delaware Street to Maple Street)
 • Walton Street (State Street to Clark Street)
Closed 3:30 p.m.– 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 22
 • Upper Columbus (Curb lanes from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street)
 • Randolph Street (Curb lanes from Michigan to Columbus) 

Please note this valuable information so that appropriate planning and accommodations may be made in advance.