CHICAGO (WLS) — The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade has returned for a 34th year.
The event happens the weekend before Thanksgiving, featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort, illuminating North Michigan Avenue.
ABC7 will air a special broadcast of the parade the next day, Sunday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m.
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Chicago’s own Plain White T’s performed a free concert at 1 p.m. before joining the parade.
This year’s parade also features performances by DJ White Shadow, a GRAMMY-winning producer and Chicago native debuting a Chicago-themed float, and Club Nouveau performing their hit “Lean on Me.”
The festival and parade were expected to draw up to one million people to witness the largest evening parade in the U.S., and the third-largest parade in the country, organizers said.
There are floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances and, of course, Santa Claus.
“The festival features the illumination of one million lights on over 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue, marking the official start of the holiday season in Chicago, throughout Illinois and nationwide,” organizers said.
Attendees were asked to wear holiday sweaters in an effort to break a record for the most at a parade.
Details:
Lights Festival Lane: 11 am. to 4 p.m. at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago
Parade: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., south on North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
Fireworks Display: North Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River
Visit TheMagnificentMile.com for more information.
ABC7 Chicago is a proud sponsor of the event.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this ABC station.
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Tre Ward
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