Schedule of Events
11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Join us at the Harris Stage for exciting musical performances.
Harris Stage, Pioneer Court, 401 North Michigan Avenue
11:00 a.m.
Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players
11:45 a.m.
The NOGGELER Guuggenmusig performs on Pioneer Court
12:15 p.m.
Ralph’s World
1:30 p.m.
The Radio Disney Road Crew
2:00 p.m.
Mitchel Musso presented by Radio Disney
3:00 p.m.
The Plain White T’s presented by 101.9fm THE MIX
3:30 p.m.
Underwriters Laboratories presents Safety Smart Super Challenge hosted by Radio Disney
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Take a stroll down Lights Festival Lane featuring Lego Hubert from Harris, free cheesecake decorating at Eli’s Cheesecake, interactive science demonstrations with the Museum of Science and Industry, photos with Santa courtesy of the John Hancock Observatory, and more!
Also be sure to stop by The Culinary Pavilion brought to you by The Signature Room at the 95th, 875 N. Michigan Avenue, for demonstrations of some of Chicago’s most festive cuisine!
North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (New Procession Step-off Time)
Mickey Mouse, as master of ceremonies, leads the illumination of more than one million lights on The Magnificent Mile® to officially start the nation’s holiday season!
North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the iconic tiny white lights coming to The Magnificent Mile®, we will be distributing handheld, commemorative candles for festival goers to illuminate with Mickey Mouse as he magically lights more than 200 trees during this year’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris. We would like to thank the Chicago 2016 committee for generously donating these candles to The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris. This contribution will add to the already remarkable glow of The Magnificent Mile when the trees are lit on Saturday, November 21!
Also, watch The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris LIVE on ABC 7 Chicago from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.!
6:55 p.m.
Experience the spectacular ABC 7 Chicago fireworks display over the Chicago River as the grand finalé to this holiday event!
North Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping with extended shopping hours at participating stores on The Magnificent Mile! Consider dining downtown or staying at one of the many magnificent hotels. Browse our holiday special offers on hotel rates, shopping experiences, dining out and more!
Here They Come!
This year’s star studded procession will feature Mickey Mouse as Master of Ceremonies, illuminating one million lights on 200 trees on The Magnificent Mile®, and many of his friends from Disney Parks. The enchanting procession will also feature Santa accompanied by his fleet of reindeer zooming over The John Hancock Center; performances by 101.9 FM The Mix artist, The Plain White T’s, Mitchell Musso presented by Radio Disney, Ashley Greene of Twilight, Banana Schpeel and the Chicago Salsa Mambo Orchestra; and for the first time in Lights Festival history, a variety of heart-pumping marching bands will be stepping off down procession route!
All of this, and MORE will add to the magical lighting procession that starts the nation’s holiday season!
Harris Bank
Who is a friend to everybody and has been a Chicago fixture for over 50 years? It’s Hubert T. Lion! Harris Bank’s famous icon is making a return appearance this year at The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris. Hubert is over 35 feet tall and takes 20 volunteers to help him down Michigan Avenue. And I hear they almost blew away last year! That’s one big inflatable!
Also, be sure to see Harris Bank’s “Hometown Heroes” float celebrating local heroes and legends. Chicagos hometown bank and Hubert are helping us celebrate what makes this city so great!! They have representatives from Chicago Police and Fire Departments, members of the U.S. Army, Bulls legends Bob Love and B.J. Armstrong and Blackhawks Legends Denis Savard and Tony Esposito. Harris is back as presenting sponsor for the Lights Festival.
ABC 7 Chicago
Watch as familiar faces of the ABC 7 news team Ron Magers, Tracy Butler, Roz Varon, Theresa Gutierrez and Evelyn Holmes, make their way down The Magnificent Mile on the ABC 7 float! This is the third year that ABC 7, Chicago’s most watched television station, has broadcast The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris. The lighting procession will also be streamed LIVE on abc7chicago.com
101.9fm THE MIX
See the holiday float from 101.9fm THE MIX with midday host Cara Carriveau featuring Tom, Dave, Mike, Tim and De’Mar from Chicago’s own Grammy nominated Plain White Ts.
101.9fm THE MIX is again pleased to be a part of a Chicago holiday tradition, The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris. As part of the festival, 101.9fm THE MIX will present a free performance by Chicago’s own, Grammy nominated, platinum selling artist Plain White T’s at 3P in Pioneer Court. Plain White T’s are best known for songs like Hey There Delilah, Hate (I really don’t like you) and their most recent hit 1,2,3,4 from their 2008 release Big Bad World on sale now!
Radio Disney AM 1300
Radio Disney kicks off the holiday season in Chicago with a special concert featuring Walt Disney Records artist and “Hannah Montana” star MITCHEL MUSSO at the 18th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris. Following the concert, Musso, Radio Disney on-air personality Jake Whetter (“Celebrity Take with Jake” and “Top 30 Countdown”) and local Radio Disney personalities PK and Adam will welcome contest winners aboard the Radio Disney float for the lighting procession down Michigan Avenue as Musso performs “Shout It.”
UPS
The UPS Float will glide down The Magnificent Mile with the company of Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players at this year’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris!
With the UPS Store’s Pack & Ship Promise you can be assured that your packages will be packed and shipped with care this holiday season! Get 100% money back on packaging, shipping and items shipped if a packaged packed by The UPS Store gets damaged. Did you know that The UPS Store is more than just shipping? As the nation’s largest online printing network, they can print or copy in color or black and white any of your holiday needs for business or pleasure!
Landscape Concepts Management
http://www.landscapeconcepts.com
See rising start Bianca Ryan riding on Landscape Concept Management’s float at The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris!
Landscape Concepts Management is so thrilled to be a part of this event. They have been adding holiday and seasonal cheer to the Magnificent Mile for many years through our Seasonal Color Department, but rarely do they get an opportunity to revel in the excitement it creates. Now, it seems, they will be basking in it! Landscape Concepts Management would like to take a moment to honor those who have contributed so much to this event. It is truly one of the best ways to kick off the holidays and it certainly has the power to stimulate some, much needed, “feel good” in all of us!
Disney Parks
Riding in the lighting procession is Mickey Mouse all the way from the place where dreams come true. Mickey has been in the entertainment business for over 80 years now, and he’s been part of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival for many years. Also, get ready to see Mickey’s pals Goofy, Pluto and Chip n’ Dale along the route in this year’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris!
John Hancock Observatory
http://www.hancock-observatory.com
Watch for The John Hancock Observatory float in the Lighting Procession where Santa himself will be riding! His sleigh will be soaring over The John Hancock Obervatory!
This year’s Winter Wonderland celebrations at John Hancock Observatory are designed with the budget-conscious family in mind, giving families endless ways to celebrate the season without breaking the bank or sacrificing fun. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Kids Go Free and get a free pass to LEGOLAND Discovery Center everyday throughout November and December with each adult admission! Santa will be on hand every Saturday and Sunday (12-5pm) for a free family photo. Each weekend is jam-packed with great events sure to entertain the entire family, see http://www.hancockobservatory.com for the full line-up.
Best Western
See where families come together to spend quality time on the Best Western float! Riding on their festive float will be performers from Chicago’s own Old Town School of Folk Music playing classic Holiday music!
There are 43 Best Westerns throughout the state of Illinois, so wherever travel takes you, there is a Best Western there! Best Western is the World’s Largest Hotel Chain with over 4000 hotels in 80 countries.
Chevy
This year you will see the two newest additions to the Chevy lineup on display and leading the way down Michigan Avenue.
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox provides a great value for customers with the functionality of a crossover and the fuel economy of a sedan. It has best-in-class highway fuel economy at 32 MPG- several MPG better than the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V – even better than the Ford Escape Hybrid model. The 2010 Equinox is equipped with six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro after a seven-year hiatus, is back in dealer showrooms. With a design that is very close to the original concept, the 2010 Camaro acknowledges its heritage from the first-generation Camaro, produced from 1967 through 1969. A true 21st century sports car that features all the modern amenities consumers have come to expect in a new car like bluetooth phone & USB connectivity plus a Boston Acoustics audio system. Starting at $23,530, the 2010 Chevy Camaro is a budget-friendly sports car that offers great fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
Chevy, the official vehicle of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
Wrigley
Happy holidays from the Wrigley Company! Is there a sweeter way to welcome winter than with a snowman heading down Michigan Avenue? Watch for Wrigley’s balloon accompanied by festive Wrigley associates and their family and friends!
You know Wrigley’s iconic brands – including Doublemint and Juicy Fruit gums and treats such as Life Savers and Skittles - they have been a part of everyone’s holiday traditions for generations. These great brands and many others continue to bring enjoyment to all ages during the holiday season!
The Museum of Science and Industry
View Christmas Around The World on The Museum of Science and Industry’s float!
The Museum of Science and Industry welcomes you and your family to the 68th year of the beloved Chicago tradition, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light!
Christmas Around the World began in 1942, with a dozen trees decorated as a salute to American allies during World War II. Over the years, the exhibition has grown to include more than 50 trees decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities to reflect holiday traditions from around the globe. Stroll through the Museum’s forest of dazzling trees, take in a festive ethnic performance or choral group and gaze up at the Museum’s 45-foot Grand Tree, adorned with more than 25,000 sparkling lights.
And, as a special holiday treat this year, Christmas Around the World welcomes the White House, taking inspiration from the Museum’s current temporary exhibit The White House: A Look Inside. Journey into the majesty of “America’s Home” during the holiday season. Explore the people, history and stories behind this famous residence and see the spectacular White House in miniature—measuring 60-feet long, and complete with lit chandeliers, ringing phones and decked with holiday decor.
Come join us for the holidays and experience the world—and the White House.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is included in general admission. The White House: A Look Inside requires an additional ticket. For more information, visit http://www.msichicago.org.
WLS 890
The WLS Sleigh float is loaded with on-air talent from The Big 89, Where Chicago Comes to Talk, a station heard in over 38 states at 890 AM. In addition to Chicago-based hosts Don Wade & Roma, Mancow & Cassidy and the Roe Conn show, WLS is also Chicago’s home of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin.
Also on the sleigh is the choir from Family Christian Center Church from Munster Indiana!
WLS has been one of the nation’s leading talk stations for more than 20 years.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, located just east of Michigan Avenue, has ranked as the “most preferred hospital” by residents of the Chicago area for the past 15 consecutive years. It is also the primary teaching hospital of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
Last year there were about 12 thousand babies born at Northwestern Memorial’s Prentice Women’s Hospital. That’s 30 – 40 babies a day! How many kids watching tonight’s festival were Prentice babies!?
The three giant Ornament balloons are being handled by members of the hospital’s award winning Medical Explorers post.
The Medical Explorers are high school and college students from Chicago and the suburbs interested in pursuing healthcare careers. At Northwestern Memorial Hospital they are exposed to different careers in healthcare and work on life skills, leadership and character development.
Underwriters Laboratories
Watch for Mrs. Claus riding on the Underwriters Laboratories float! They are here to give us the Gift of Safety this holiday season. For peace of mind, look for the UL Mark when shopping for electronics, Christmas lights and other electrical holiday decorations….it certifies products have been tested for safety. Did you know that the average home has 125 products with the UL Mark?
Underwriters Laboratories wants you to have a safe and bright holiday season. And, remember to always look for the UL Mark.
Chicago Park District
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Get ready to see the Chicago Park District float as part of this year’s lighting procession at The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris!
The Chicago Park District offers park patrons many wonderful opportunities to make lasting memories during the holiday season with hundreds of programs, activities and events at low to no cost. Get into the holiday spirit and bring your entire family to the parks to enjoy activities such as breakfast with Santa, ice skating available at nine locations, winter flower shows at the conservatories, crafts, holiday parties and much more.
As one of the oldest and financially largest park districts in the nation, the Chicago Park District manages over 7600 acres of parkland that includes more than 570 parks, 26 miles of Chicago’s lakefront, more than 600 acres of natural areas, 16 historic lagoons, 250 field houses, and two world-class conservatories. The Park District’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Chicago by becoming the leading provider of recreation and leisure opportunities, while providing safe, inviting and beautifully maintained parks and facilities, creating a customer focused and responsive park system. The Chicago Park District is committed to offering park patrons an open, active, green and connected park system.
To find out more information about the variety of programs and special events offered in your neighborhood park, go to http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.play. You can also follow the Chicago Park District on facebook and twitter now!
Dazzling Fireworks
As a grand finale to the 2009 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris lighting procession, the ABC7 Chicago Fireworks Spectacular will begin at 6:55 p.m. over the Chicago River. Choreographed by Rocco Saliano of Lumina, Inc. festival goers will enjoy a perfect ending to the fun-filled day of holiday activities and events!