Did You Know?

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the lighting of the trees along North Michigan Avenue, which was the first street in the world to adopt this annual holiday event in 1959.

Today, The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival procession is highlighted by the illumination of one million lights on 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue.

Celebrities involved throughout the years in lighting up The Magnificent Mile for the holidays include Carmen Miranda, Betty Grable, Geraldine Page, Jerry Lewis, Jamie Farr, Kirk Cameron, Sherri Shepard from The View, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, KT Tunstall, Sister Hazel, Corbin Bleu and a host of beloved Disney characters.

The custom holiday-themed balloons that joined the procession in 2006 require up to 34 handlers who have to be trained at a special balloon school.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the lighting of the trees along North Michigan Avenue, which was the first street in the world to adopt this annual holiday event in 1959. 

The sleigh vehicle used for Santa’s arrival in the procession was made for the 1994 movie version of Miracle on 34th Street.

Over the years, The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has drawn many whimsical attractions including an ice sculpture made from 4,000 lbs of ice by the InterContinental Chicago, a 500 lb cheesecake standing four and one-half feet tall created by Eli’s and a life-sized Santa in his sleigh made from LEGO and Duplo bricks.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at the gateway to The Magnificent Mile at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, using more than 10,000 handmade fireworks shells.

More than 400 volunteers plan for 10 months to produce The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival; 800 volunteers assist the day of the event.