Sponsor Greetings and Special Offers

This day would not be possible without all of our sponsors’ support. Check back to learn more about the participants in this year’s event, as well as any special offers or activities being offered November 19 and throughout the holiday season.

Visit the BMO Harris Bank tents for fun games, prizes and learning in Lights Festival Lane (401 N. Michigan). Families can visit the BMO Harris Bank tent in Pioneer Court to participate in a treasure hunt, win great prizes and learn about BMO Harris Bank’s new “Helpful Steps for Parents,” a program designed to help parents get a jump start on saving for their children’s futures.

Stop by the BMO Harris Bank Helper Tents along N. Michigan Avenue to pick up your holiday activity guide and to receive helpful hints for your visit. Plus, watch for BMO Harris Bank in the procession! Hubert the Harris Lion Balloon, a double decker bus with BMO Harris Bank friends, the Helpful Steps for Parents Float and the Community Float. And don’t forget to check out the BMO Harris Bank’s Giant Board Game Tent at the John Hancock Plaza for more fun and prizes!

Preview the new Chevrolet Sonic, Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Cruze before they join the procession down The Magnificent Mile. Chevrolet will display the Sonic, Cruze and Equinox on Upper Illinois Street at Michigan Avenue. Come prepared for excitement as Chevrolet lights up your day with an activity, at the Upper Illinois area, that your entire family will enjoy.

Check out Motor Trend’s 2011 Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Volt, displayed at the Festival Area in the John Hancock Center Plaza, 875 N. Michigan Avenue.

Learn more about each vehicle below:

Camaro
First introduced in 1967, the Camaro celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. Today, the iconic sports car is available either a 323-horsepower V-6 that also delivers 30 mpg and a 426-hp Chevy Small Block V-8. Next year, the new Camaro ZL1 will arrive with a supercharged engine and 580-hp—that’s more power than a Ferrari 458.

Cruze
You want a car that makes the most out of every dollar you put in the gas tank, but without sacrificing performance and handling. To get those results you need to have a pretty impressive engine, and Cruze absolutely does.

The available 1.4L turbocharged engine is designed for fuel efficiency without compromising performance. It delivers 138 horsepower and takes on tight corners with rack-mounted electric power steering and a race-proven Z-link rear suspension on LT, LTZ and Eco automatic models.

Sonic
Sonic is the only small car built in the United States and packs a whole lot of attitude. You can see it in its chiseled front end to the rear spoiler. Stay connected while you’re out and about. Bluetooth® wireless technology allows you to stream your favorite audio services on select smartphones, and connect to your Sonic through mobile apps.

Sonic Hatchback was made to be on the move. Feel it with the available ECOTEC® 1.4L turbocharged engine with 6-speed manual transmission, the only turbocharged engine in its class. It’s the most fun-to-drive car and offers 40 MPG highway. You’ll feel the difference within seconds, because Sonic offers the most available torque in its class, achieved 0-to-60 mph in 8.2 seconds on the test track, and boasts fine-tuned ride and handling.

Volt
Volt is unique among electric vehicles because you have two sources of energy. You have an electric source–a battery–that allows you to drive gas–free for an EPA–estimated 35 miles. And there’s also an onboard gas generator that produces electricity so you can go up to a total of 375 additional miles on a full tank of gas. So if you want to drive using only electricity, you can. If you want to drive using electricity and gas, you can do that too.

Charges for about $1.50 per day on average. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. For less than the cost of a latte, you can fully charge your Volt and drive an EPA–estimated 35 miles gas–free. Engineering in. Fun out.

DePaul University is excited to be the exclusive university sponsor of this year’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by BMO Harris Bank. There is no better time than the holiday season to reflect on the need for charity and service. Participation in the Lights Festival allows DePaul to illuminate the teachings of its patron Saint Vincent de Paul’s teachings, which are at the core of its mission. DePaul embraces service to meet urgent human needs and emphasizes the development of human capabilities, especially through education. St. Vincent de Paul is the patron saint of charity.

Look for the DePaul Belden Brass Quintet playing holiday tunes on their float, and visit their booth in Lights Festival Lane where there will be fun games and DIBS their mascot.

Mickey Mouse will be joined once again by Minnie Mouse on the lead procession float to illuminate more than one million lights on 200 trees to kick off the holiday season!

Plus, watch for their friends as they come cruising down the route in double decker buses and on floats. Chip ‘n’ Dale, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy will all be part of the fun!

ABC7’s very own Janet Davies, Alan Krashesky and Hosea Sanders will co-host the spectacular procession from the broadcast booth and Windy City LIVE’s Val Warner will catch the magic from the street. Twinkling lights, entertainment and fun will all be part of ABC7’s live, hour-long special airing at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, November 19th. Watch the encore presentations on December 4 at 12:30 p.m., December 10 at 1:30 p.m. and December 18 at 1:30 p.m. The procession will also be streamed live on abc7chicago.com. If you can’t watch the Lights Festival live, click here for additional times and broadcast stations!

Stop by for an exclusive autograph signing with China Anne McClain at 2:15 p.m. Plus, pick up your favorite holiday music, movies and more onsite!

Don’t forget to look out for Bridgit Mendler, Adam Hicks and Hayley Kiyoko, stars of the Disney Channel Original Movie Lemonade Mouth as they head down The Magnificent Mile® riding the Best Western Hotels of Illinois float.

Special Lights Festival Event: Stop by between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19 at the BEST WESTERN PLUS River North Hotel (125 W. Ohio Street) for gourmet hot chocolate and homemade cookies hosted by festive holiday characters.

A new addition to the procession this year, Chicago’s very own, Candyality, sweetly illuminates The Magnificent Mile with their “Candyality Land” float. Inspiring pure imagination of chocolate covered days and sugar coated tomorrows, the magical vessel is adorned with candy-scape treats, lollipop forests, and sugar sparkled surprises to delight children of all ages. Sneak a peek at the celebrity riding the float - Loretta Swit from Broadway In Chicago’s “Love, Loss, and What I Wore”. Don’t miss the sweet treats they will be passing out!

Special Lights Festival Offer: Visit Candyality in The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Avenue, and countdown the days until Christmas with their adorable candy-filled Mickey and Minnie calendar. Enjoy a special price November 19 - 20, just for festival goers - $3 or free with any $15 or more purchase.

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show joins The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by BMO Harris Bank for the first time this year. Their float, titled “Spring Experience,” replicates a giant “spring globe” infused with the colors, style and inspiration of “Hort Couture” – the Chicago Flower & Garden show’s theme for 2012. The Chicago Flower & Garden Show annually heralds spring’s arrival to the city and – in 2012 – will do so from March 10 - 18.

Special Lights Festival Offer: Purchase tickets online between November 1 - December 31 for the March 2012 Chicago Flower and Garden Show with the code FOLP and save $4 off the box office price—without service fees, too! $13 weekday, $15 weekend.

See Disney friends, including Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale, plus other friends on the iconic double deckers!
 
NEW for 2011: Holiday Lights Tour, November 25 – December 23. Explore the dazzling lights and holiday sights of Chicago including The Magnificent Mile, Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Macy’s windows, Christkindlmarket and more. Free hot chocolate and York Peppermint brownie from The Hershey Store. Web ticket sales only - visit www.chicagotrolley.com. Adults $26, Children $19.

Safer communities and households is a mission dear to heart for Kohl’s Cares and Children’s Memorial Hospital (soon to become Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago in June 2012) who have been joining forces for several years. Thanks to support from Kohl’s Cares, Children’s Memorial was able to establish the Kohl’s Cares for Kids Safety Network in 2005. The network is aimed at preventing unintentional injury, which is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 0 and 14 according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago will be a new, state-of-the-art facility that will provide highly specialized care for children in a family-centered environment. The facility will include the latest innovations in medical care and technology, enhanced clinical programs, advanced research directly affecting children and family amenities. Lurie Children’s will be located on the campus of their academic partner, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and will open on June 9, 2012.

Visit the DoubleTree’s booth in Lights Festival Lane where you can purchase the famous DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies for $1 each to benefit Windy City Habitat for Humanity. Funds raised will be donated to the non-profit to help ensure families in need experience Sweet Dreams in their own homes.

Special Lights Festival Offer: The Shopping Escape Package at Doubletree by Hilton, Chicago Magnificent Mile, November 1 – March 31, 2012. Guests check in for a one-night stay in a spacious deluxe guestroom for two and receive a gift bag filled with special perks from the 900 North Michigan Shops plus a $50 gift card valid at over 70 luxury retailers inside the shopping center. Rates begin at $169 per night and are based upon availability. For reservations, call (866) 778-8536. 300 E. Ohio Street.

Visit the Eli’s tent in Lights Festival Lane to decorate a delicious slice of Eli’s Cheesecake for the holidays! Bring a non-perishable food donation for The Greater Chicago Food Depository and get an additional free cheesecake slice. Donate $10 or more to the food depository and receive a whole rich and creamy Eli’s Cheesecake at no charge.

Watch for the Red Nosed Reindeer as he comes Funjetting down Michigan Avenue powered by the Funjet Vacations team during The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by BMO Harris Bank procession!

Just like reindeer guided Santa’s sleigh, let Funjet Vacations travel experts guide you on your ideal getaway. Funjet is kicking off the giving season by sending one lucky family to the all-inclusive Gran Caribe Real in Cancun (to enter to win and for an exclusive offer, click here!)

Escape the winter chill (and the holiday hustle and bustle) with a Funjet Vacation! Funjet offers some of the most popular vacation destinations, including the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Orlando and more! Funjet offers air, hotel, transportation, tours and more to top-vacation destinations across the globe – all in one purchase. Funjet Vacations will lead the way to unforgettable holiday moments, with lots of nonstop flights from Chicago to warm, exotic destinations. Funjet wishes everyone a happy holiday and an even happier getaway. And Do Something You’ll Never Forget.

During the day, stop by the Garrett Popcorn Shops tent located in Lights Festival Lane to indulge in a sample of their famous Chicago Mix.

Watch for the Garrett Popcorn Shops holiday float entitled, “Tins the Season”. It features three Garrett Holiday Tins stacked almost 25’ high. A holiday tradition for more than 60 years, the Garrett float depicts the iconic Michigan Avenue experience. At the front, you can see the CaramelCrisp® Carolers entertain gourmet popcorn fans waiting to taste that irresistible treat.

Every batch of Garrett Popcorn is handmade daily using old-fashioned copper kettles. The chef is actually cooking their secret, family recipe on the float—You can smell the enticing aroma. Watch Garrett shake it up with their famous Chicago Mix, of sweet CaramelCrisp® and savory CheeseCorn™. 

Next to the float, Garrett representatives share bags of The Chicago Mix. You can share this iconic Michigan Ave. experience with friends and family this holiday season as well. A tin filled with The Chicago Mix makes the perfect holiday gift. Visit their website to view all of their tin designs and flavors.

Google Offers has just launched in Chicago!  Stop by the Google Offers booth in Lights Festival Lane to pick up a fun giveaway (while supplies last), meet a few members of our team and learn more about upcoming deals on great places to eat, shop and play in Chicago.  Sign up today at www.google.com/offers to start getting amazing deals delivered straight to your inbox. 

Watch for the Harry Caray’s Restaurants float pulled by the Chicago Cubs custom trolley. Harry Caray, the beloved hall-of-fame broadcaster was the voice of the Cubs for 16 years. The crowd can hear the Cubs trolley playing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” as it drives down the avenue. Legendary hall of fame Cubs player Ernie Banks, and the first lady of Chicago baseball, Dutchie Caray, both partners in the restaurant, and Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood are riding the Harry Caray’s float. Harry Caray’s legendary Italian Steakhouse is known for its award winning prime steaks, chops and Italian favorites. Harry Caray’s Tavern, which opened last year on Navy Pier, offers a more casual menu as well as the Chicago Sports Museum. You never know who you might see when you stop by Harry’s, including partners Patrick Kane, Richard Dent and Ryne Sandberg.

Special Lights Fest Offers: Free Kids Meal at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, Saturday, November 19: Receive a free kids meal from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. with purchase of an adult entrée. Must show guide book to redeem. 33 W. Kinzie Street.

Complimentary Italian Hot Chocolate at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, November 19 - 20: Enjoy complimentary Italian hot chocolate during The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by BMO Harris Bank weekend. Limit one per guest.

Special Lights Fest Offer: Complimentary Italian Hot Chocolate at Harry Caray’s Tavern Navy Pier, Saturday, November 19: Holy cow! Come in from the cold and enjoy complimentary Italian Hot Chocolate at Harry’s Navy Pier. 700 E. Grand Avenue.

The James Chicago offers a stylish and engaging alternative for the contemporary business or leisure traveler. The hotel is ideally situated right in the heart of downtown Chicago, just steps from Michigan Avenue. In addition to its proximity to numerous dining, shopping and nightlife choices along the world famous Magnificent Mile, The James is within easy walking distance of such celebrated cultural attractions as Millennium Park and The Museum of Contemporary Art.

Special Lights Festival Offer: A Refreshing Holiday at The James Chicago, November 1 - December 31. Experience a refreshing holiday shopping season by booking a stay in one of The James Chicago’s recently refreshed suites. Stay through December 31, 2011 and receive a $50 food and beverage credit to enjoy the re-imagined David Burke’s Primehouse. Book using offer code REFRES. Click here for special offers from The James Chicago.

Visit the John Hancock Observatory tent in Lights Festival Lane to take your free photo with Santa!

Watch for the official Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by BMO Harris Bank Santa is riding on the John Hancock Observatory Winter Wonderland float! John Hancock Observatory is in its 4th year of Winter Wonderland. Wave to Santa as he flies through the antennas of the John Hancock Center.

Special Lights Festival Offer: Kids Go Free, November 1 - December 31. Enjoy one free youth admission aged 3 - 11 with each full fare paying adult. Every youth admission also receives a free child ticket to The Field Museum. Winter Wonderland will be open every day with appearances by Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. One 3 X 5 photo per family will be available Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. $15 adults, $10 youth aged 3 - 11, 3 years and under are free. Visit www.jhochicago.com for terms and conditions.

The McDonald’s® McCafé® Coffee Break Tour will be stopping at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival this year, and we’re excited to warm festival goers up by serving cups of holiday cheer with our latest specialty seasonal beverages - McCafé Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate.  These two delicious beverages are here for a limited time only, so don’t miss your chance to sample McDonald’s hottest new drinks. Be one of the first ten people to check-in to our “McCafé Flash Coffee Break Chicago” location on Foursquare during the activities on November 19 using hashtag #McCafeCHEER, and you could win a month’s worth of McCafé!  Visitors can also score some other fun holiday prizes at our booth, while supplies last.  Be sure to follow us on Twitter via @McCafeYourDay and @McDonalds for more event updates.

Stop by MSI’s booth in Lights Festival Lane for a Christmas Around the World Seussabration and meet the Grinch himself! Plus, enjoy festive holiday giveaways and activities all day long!

Nobody does the holidays like the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. And this year, we’re celebrating 70 years of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light from November 17, 2011 through January 8, 2012.

The Museum’s 45-foot Grand Tree will take center stage in the Rotunda with more than 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments. More than 50 dazzling trees, beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities, reflect holiday traditions from around the globe. Stroll through the trees, enjoy intermittent falling “snow” and savor the performances of local dance and chorus groups on the Holiday Stage, as you are filled with the wonder and warmth of the holiday spirit.

Continue to be amazed as you let loose, exploring the ideas of Theodor Seuss Geisel, the creative genius better known to the world as Dr. Seuss. There’s Fun to Be Done! Dr. Seuss & The Art of Invention takes you behind his beloved bevy of fanciful people, places, creatures and inventions with art, artifacts and hands-on fun for all ages!

Ring in the holiday season with three festive ornaments handled by Northwestern Memorial Hospital nurses and employees as they parade down The Magnificent Mile!

Radio Disney AM 1300 brings its annual family-friendly concert to The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by BMO Harris Bank headlined by the star of Disney Channel’s hit series “A.N.T. Farm” and Hollywood Records recording artist China Anne McClain, along with her sisters Lauryn McClain and Sierra McClain. “N.B.T.” artist and Chicago-native Shealeigh will also perform at the free concert at Pioneer Court (401 North Michigan Avenue). China Anne McClain and her sisters as well as Shealeigh will also join Radio Disney AM 1300 Road Crew as they greet local fans from the Radio Disney float.

Jake from Disney Junior’s #1 series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” will make a special appearance and the series’ pirate rockers, The Never Land Pirate Band will perform at Pioneer Court at 12:00 p.m. also presented by Radio Disney.  Jake will ride on a pirate ship-themed Disney Junior float during the Lights Festival procession.

Visit the Whole Foods Market tent in Lights Festival Lane to decorate chocolate covered pretzels!

Wave to Mrs. Claus on Underwriters Laboratories’ North Pole float as it makes its way into the procession this year! Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety organization, showcases a miniature version of the Santa House they have built right here in the city on Daley Plaza.  Underwriters Laboratories Santa House opens November 23rd where children and families can experience the wonder of the North Pole and have their picture taken with Santa Claus throughout the holiday season. Underwriters Laboratories Santa House opens in coordination with the City of Chicago Annual Tree Lighting and offers activities and important safety tips to enjoy while children wait to tell Santa their holiday wishes.

Verde Energy USA is an independent electric supply company whose sole business is to maximize energy savings now allowed by deregulation. Verde allows Com Ed customers with the opportunity to save up to 10% or more on their electric bill with no cost to switch, no contract to sign, and no impact on their service. Verde is also offering Com Ed customers a special $50 cash bonus if they enroll with Verde. Verde is not a subsidiary of a utility company nor do we rely on a network to increase our sales. Verde simply offers the best electricity rates possible and passes this savings directly on to smart consumers. Verde also helps consumers reduce their energy consumption with free online energy tools and tips. Verde Energy is committed to the belief that wiser energy consumption can positively impact both everyone’s wallet and the planet.

Stop by the Benjaminandtom.com tent in Lights Festival Lane to learn how you can save 10% or more on your electric bill, get $50 back just for enrolling with Verde Energy USA and win free electricity for a year!