Kick off the holiday season and create your special memories on The Magnificent Mile in 2017! The FREE BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the nation’s largest evening holiday celebration, jump starts the holiday season on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18, 2017 — Check out the free 2017 Holiday Activity Guide for things to do during the Lights Festival, helpful hints and a map of the parade route. Our kick off to the holiday season is a great time to start shopping and experience some of the best restaurants in Chicago, and the activity guide always includes special offers from businesses around The Magnificent Mile!
Where Your Holidays Begin!
The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the nation’s largest evening holiday celebration, promises a full day off:
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Family friendly activities in Lights Festival Lane -
A grand Tree-Lighting Parade down Michigan Avenue marshaled by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida -
Fireworks Spectacular show over the Chicago River -
The best holiday shopping -
ABC7 Chicago’s broadcast of the tree-lighting parade airs in more than 90% of the United States, so viewers can relive the magic throughout the holiday season!
On Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18, The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival offers a full lineup of activities, starting on 4:00PM on Friday and then again at 11:00 AM on Saturday. Free, family fun culminates in the grand Tree-Lighting Parade down North Michigan Avenue with grand marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resorts Florida steps off at 5:30PM. Be sure to download our 2017 Holiday Activity Guide for a useful tool at the festival!
Friday, November 17
4:00 – 8:00PM: Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue) opens the evening before the parade with more than a dozen family-friendly activities from Chicago favorites and popular brands—plus live music and a visit with Santa Claus! Explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities. Sample treats from crowd favorites Connie’s Pizza, Garrett Popcorn, Frango, The Eli’s Cheesecake Company and more.
Saturday, November 18
11:00AM – 4:00PM: Explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue). Stop by the expanded BMO Harris Kid’s Zone, featuring face painting with holiday designs and a special fast lane for BMO Harris Customers.
Santa Claus is always ready to greet guests, alongside more than a dozen holiday-themed activities. Enjoy Chicago’s favorites treats like Connie’s Pizza, Garrett Popcorn, Eli’s the Cheesecake Company, and more.
ALL DAY: Enjoy holiday experiences and special offers at participating retailers, restaurants and attractions around The Magnificent Mile District! Plus, being a BMO Harris customer has it’s perks! See special offers just for BMO Harris Customers.
MUSICAL GUESTS
Live musical performances return to the BMO Harris Bank stage this year! Enjoy free concerts starting at 11:30AM, plus meet-and-greets with your favorite artists. Check out the schedule below!
- 11:30AM: Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players perform on the BMO Harris Bank stage.
- 12:30PM: Temecula Road performs on the BMO Harris Bank Stage, presented by Southwest Airlines®.
- 1:00PM: Temecula Road Meet-and-Greet, presented by Southwest Airlines, at the Southwest Airlines porch, Don’t forget to pick up your wristband at the Southwest Airlines porch. *While supplies last.
- 1:30PM: Alec Joseph performs on the BMO Harris Bank stage.
- 2:00PM: Alec Joseph meet-and-greet at the BMO Harris Kid’s Zone. Don’t forget to pick up your wristband at the BMO HArris Bank Helper Tent. *While supplies last.
