Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2023: Parade route, fireworks and more
Grand marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse return to kick off Chicago’s 32nd annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The pair will light up more than 1 million lights along Michigan Avenue and be followed by floats, helium-filled balloons, marching bands, musical performances by Sister Sledge, The Sugarhill Gang, The Funky Bunch and Colin Stough from “American Idol.” Plus, an appearance by Santa Claus.
Fireworks will end the two days of free, family-friendly activities with a holiday theme.
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
What’s new?
The most holiday sweaters at a parade: Organizers are attempting to set the record on Michigan Avenue during the parade. Collect a wristband from a record steward from 4-7 p.m. along the parade route.
Go for a ride: A NASCAR race car simulator that speeds along the Chicago Street Race route will be one of the attractions in Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave.
Weather forecast
Saturday will be sunny with a high near 50 degrees and lows near freezing at night, according to the National Weather Service’s Chicago office. Rain is not expected.
Schedule
Saturday
11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Activities, treats, giveaways and photos with Santa Claus in Pioneer Court.
Starting at 3 p.m.: DuSable Bridge (over Michigan Avenue) closes to pedestrians and North Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and Wacker Drive closes to vehicles.
5:30-7 p.m.: The parade marches down North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street south to Wacker Drive.
6:55 p.m.: A fireworks show begins over the Chicago River at Michigan and Wacker.
Sunday
6 p.m.: The parade airs on WLS-Ch. 7.
Getting there
Parking: Organizers recommend purchasing and reserving in advance through the SpotHero app. Or, buy parking online for Millennium Garages.
Street closures: Be advised, nearby roads will be closed to traffic during the festival and may affect travel times.
CTA: If taking a CTA Red Line train, then exit via Chicago Avenue or Grand Avenue and walk east. Weekend service changes for CTA buses and trains are available on the CTA website.
Metra: Schedules are available on Metra’s website. Metra offers a $7 Saturday Day Pass good for unlimited travel all day and up to three kids age 11 and under can travel free with a fare-paying adult.
Parade
When: 5:30 p.m., Saturday
Where to watch: Organizers recommend that viewers watch the parade on the east side of Michigan Avenue near the northern end of the parade route at Oak Street. The route stretches 1 mile south to Wacker Drive.
If you can’t be downtown or want to avoid the crowd: Encore broadcasts will air at 4 p.m., Dec. 3 and 11 p.m., Dec. 10. The broadcast will also be available on-demand at abc7chicago.com. It will also be rebroadcast on networks throughout the United States and in Canada.
Wheelchair access: Plaza of the Americas (just north of the Wrigley Building on the west side of Michigan Avenue) is the recommended spot for those using wheelchairs to watch the parade and fireworks. Drop-off is at the corner of Hubbard Street and Wabash Avenue.
Fireworks
When: 6:55 p.m. Saturday
Where to watch: The fireworks display will take place over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge (Michigan Avenue) at the conclusion of the parade and is best viewed from along Wacker Drive or in Pioneer Court. Access to the bridge closes at 3 p.m.
On the water: Wendella offers a family-friendly Chicago River cruise Saturday with views of the fireworks — though, not the parade.
Sources: The Magnificent Mile Association, Tribune reporting
