The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returns to Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, on November 21, 2026, for its 35th annual holiday kickoff. The event is free and spans the area from Oak Street to Wacker Drive. Start the day at Lights Festival Lane, open from 11am–4pm at Pioneer Court. This daytime stop offers a convenient way to begin exploring the festival before the evening parade. At 5:30pm, the tree-lighting parade steps off from Oak Street and continues along Michigan Avenue toward Wacker Drive. After the parade, fireworks take place over the Chicago River. For Chicago, Illinois residents and visitors, this event is a seasonal highlight and a reminder of the experiences that make local neighborhoods engaging year-round. Message me to talk about your move.