John Hancock Observatory: Santa’s Winter Wonderland More than a Thousand Feet Up!
November 1 - December 31

No better way to celebrate the holidays than for free from a thousand feet up! During November and December, kids visit for…
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Holiday Activity Guide

Download a copy of The Magnificent Mile Holiday Activity Guide which includes a detailed map, special offers and helpful tips to keep on hand during The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris!

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Video Reel

See the fun we’ve had in the past.
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Did You Know?

50th Anniversary of Lights

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.

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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!