Streeterville Set to Sparkle: Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Returns November 22 with Expanded Activities

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Streeterville · November 23, 2025

Streeterville is preparing for one of Chicago's most beloved holiday traditions as the 34th Annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival transforms the neighborhood this Saturday, November 23. The day-long celebration, which marks the official kickoff to Chicago's holiday season, features an expanded lineup of family-friendly activities and performances throughout the neighborhood.

The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue), offering a free interactive holiday wonderland including photos with Santa, cheesecake decorating with Eli's Cheesecake, and special performances by Chicago's own Grammy-nominated Plain White T's at 1 p.m. New this year, attendees can enjoy appearances by the Voices of Liberty from EPCOT and performances from 'Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. The celebration culminates at 5:30 p.m. when Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the grand illumination procession down Michigan Avenue, lighting one million lights on over 200 trees, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River at approximately 7:15 p.m.

For Streeterville residents and visitors unable to attend in person, ABC7 Chicago will broadcast the festivities on Sunday, November 24 at 6 p.m. The Magnificent Mile Association has also announced an exciting contest where attendees who share photos from the festival on Instagram with the hashtag #wintrustlightsfest could win a vacation package to Walt Disney World Resort. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly, and use public transportation, as street closures will begin as early as 3 p.m.

Sources:
1. https://abc7chicago.com/post/2025-wintrust-magnificent-mile-lights-festival-parade-step-off-down-michigan-avenue-chicago-november/17514679/
2. https://www.themagnificentmile.com/lights-festival
3. https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/special-events/magnificent-mile-lights-festival/