Mickey Illuminates Michigan Avenue This Weekend
In Chicago, few events gather more spectactors during the holiday season as the Magnificent Mile Light Festival. Celebrating its 30th year, Mickey, Minnie and their pals return to Michigan Avenue Saturday to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in the country’s third largest parade.
The largest evening parade in the United States, the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Light Festival Parade always draws an incredible crowd from throughout the Midwest. Mickey and Minnie fly straight from Walt Disney World Resort to grand marshal the parade with Mickey illuminating each block of the famed Mag Mile as they travel down the shopping district street.
Watching Mickey Light Michigan Ave. at Home
“The parade features more than 60 minutes of fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, exciting marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, and more, all helping to illuminate more than 1 million lights along The Magnificent Mile. The event draws to a grand conclusion with spectacular fireworks over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge at 7:00 p.m.,” according to the festival website.
The parade starts at the northend of Michigan Avenue at Oak St. before traveling south down the mile-long stretch of stores and historial sights that define the Midwest retail destination. Stepping off at 5:30pm. those looking to join into the festivites will want to head downtown earlier in the day to grab a great viewing location and enjoy the rest of the festival.
The event will also be broadcast nationwide during the holiday season with local live coverage as well.
“If you cannot catch the parade live, or would like to relive the magic, ABC 7 broadcasts the event throughout the holiday season across 97% of the country! Relive the magic locally on ABC 7 Chicago at 6:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, November 21, 6:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, December 11, and 8:00 a.m. CT on Christmas Day, as we illuminate one million lights along The Magnificent Mile. Visit TheMagnificetMile.com for a list of broadcast markets, and check your local listings,” the website states. For more, visit the site to find details about how to find coverage in each viewing area.
Feature Image Credit: Attractions Magazine