The next Magnificient Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris is Saturday, November 20, 2010. Keep in mind the following helpful hints for planning your visit to The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris in 2010!

Planning Ahead:

Plan Meals - Experience the world-class cuisine that is offered by Magnificent Mile district restaurants. To see a list of local restaurants, check out http://www.themagnificentmile.com.

Book Hotels - Don’t forget to book your rooms for the weekend at one of the 50 fabulous hotels within walking distance of The Magnificent Mile. Whether you are traveling with a family, friends or your significant other, hotel accommodations in The Magnificent Mile district will satisfy all of your travel needs! Visit http://www.themagnificentmile.com for hotel information to book your stay now!

Remember to pack:

Extra Clothing - check the latest weather forecast on http://www.abc7chicago.com.

Camera - You’ll want to record your family and friends experience on The Magnificent Mile, with the twinkling, colorful, exciting backdrop. If you are looking for an extra special photo with Santa, he will be greeting all the boys and girls in The John Hancock Observatory booth on Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court.

Holiday Gift List - Kick off your holiday shopping while Chicago kicks off the holiday season! Visit http://www.themagnificentmile.com for a list of retailers in the area.

This Check List! - Print it out and bring along with the entire guide for special offers and activities happening all day.

Getting There:

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): Exit Red Line via Chicago Avenue or Grand Avenue. Exit and walk east. For more information, visit http://www.transitchicago.com.

Suburban Train (METRA): Trains drop visitors at various locations around the city. Walking, taking a taxi, riding the CTA or taking a water taxi are all options to explore once you arrive at the main station. Visit http://www.metrarail.com for more information.

Taxi Cabs: Taxis are plentiful and easy to catch around the city. Keep in mind that after the procession, you may not be the only one attempting to catch a cab!

Driving: There are many parking garages downtown. For a listing of those in the area, visit http://www.themagnificentmile.com. See below for street closures.

Water Taxis: From most downtown METRA stations, Chicago Water Taxi has rides available to The Magnificent Mile. Visit http://www.chicagowatertaxi.com for more information.

Harris Helper Tents:

Stop by the Harris Helper Tents at 625 N. Michigan Avenue and the John Hancock Center Plaza at 875 N. Michigan Avenue to get your Magnificent Mile Holiday Activity Guide that includes the weekend’s events, special deals and a helpful map. You can also pick up red mittens and other items that you will need to stay safe and warm!

Refuel on The Magnificent Mile:

It is easy to find snacks for everyone at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court!  Stop by the Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile booth for a signature chocolate chip cookie, the Cuties Clementine’s booth for a piece of fresh fruit or the Eli’s Cheesecake Company booth for a piece of cheesecake. Or, you can follow your nose to the newly opened Garrett Popcorn at 625 N. Michigan Ave. for some of their famous popcorn.

Trolley Tours:

Enjoy the sites of The Magnificent Mile from one of the trolleys while the driver gives an entertaining and informative tour of the area. Visit http://www.chicagotrolley.com for more information.

Kid Friendly Stops Along The Magnificent Mile:

While there are dozens of interactive activities to take the kids to at The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris, here are a few additional stops that will be a huge hit with children of all ages:

• American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue
• The LEGO Store, 520 N. Michigan Avenue
• Galt Toys at the 900 N. Michigan Shops
• The Hello Kitty Store in The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Avenue
• The Hershey Store, 822 N. Michigan Avenue
• The Disney Store, 717 N. Michigan Avenue

Outstanding Views of The Magnificent Mile

• For the most amazing views of The Magnificent Mile, visit the John Hancock Observatory at 875 N. Michigan Avenue – see The Magnificent Mile from a thousand feet up!

Lighting Procession Viewing

• When choosing your spot to view the lighting procession, remember that Michigan Avenue is less crowded on the east side of the street, especially on the north end of the procession route!

Fireworks Viewing

• The fireworks are displayed over the Michigan Avenue Bridge, so standing along Wacker Drive or in Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Avenue are the prime places to view!
• REMEMBER: The Michigan Avenue Bridge closes at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. If you want to get to your favorite spot for the lighting procession, be sure to make your way across the bridge before that time!

Public Restrooms:

• Lights Festival Lane, Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue
• The 900 Shops, 900 N. Michigan Avenue
• Chicago Place, 700 N. Michigan Avenue
• Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue
• The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Avenue

Parking Garages

G. O. Parking, Inc.
http://www.goparking.com

130 E. Randolph St.
111 E. Wacker Dr.
441 N. Wabash Ave.
430 N. Rush St.
225. N. Michigan Ave.
18 W. Chicago Ave.
303 E. Wacker Dr.
221 E. Chestnut St.

Hammerschlag & Co., Inc.
http://www.hammerschlagparking.com

201 W. Madison St.
210 N. Wells St.

InterPark
www.interparkonline.com

50 E. Ohio St.
612 – 620 N. St. Clair St.
1000 N. Lake Shore Dr.
201 E. Illinois St.
455 N. St. Clair St.
21 E. Ohio St.
520 N. Rush St.
10 E. Grand Ave.

Street Closures:

Check back for 2010 street closures.

First Aid:

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is located at 251 E. Huron Street

Wheelchair Viewing:

Viewing for those in wheelchairs is available for the concerts in front of the Harris Stage in Pioneer Court during the day and at 111 E. Wacker for the procession/fireworks show.