A holiday tradition
The holiday season begins in Chicago with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, a two-day celebration with fireworks over the Chicago River, holiday shopping, family-friendly activities, and the famed Tree-Lighting Parade. Marching bands, helium balloons, musical performances, and dance troupes add high energy to the most wonderful time of the year.
Tips for Attending
- For prime parade viewing, Michigan Avenue is less crowded on the east side of the street, particularly on the north end of the parade route.
- The Fireworks Spectacular happens over the DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) at 6:55 p.m., and can be seen well from Wacker Drive.
- The DuSable Bridge closes around 3:30 p.m., so make sure you’ve crossed it from Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago before this time if you want to go this way to the parade.
Getting There
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is within walking distance of Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago.
Drinking & Dining
Keep that warm and cozy feeling you have from the festival by settling in for a meal or drinks at Fisk & Co., where the Belgian bistro feeling will immediately make you feel at home.
Deals and Steals
The shops and businesses along the Magnificent Mile offer all kinds of freebies and discounts during the event.