The history of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival begins in 1949 when members of The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association installed a 50-foot tall Christmas tree in Water Tower Park. The tree was bedecked with approximately 1,500 Christmas lights and topped by a six-foot star.
In 1959, Saks Fifth Avenue replaced its traditional Christmas decoration made of metal with strings of white lights imported from Italy. Elm trees adorned with white lights in front of the store attracted everyone’s attention and were a success. Eventually, other luxury stores along Michigan Avenue (including Tiffany, Burberry, Gucci, Armani, etc.) followed suit.
In 1992, The Walt Disney Company officially joined the festival and helped to turn the event into one of Chicago’s biggest tourist attractions. As of 2016, the main sponsor of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is BMO Harris Bank.
Chicago’s Lights Festival is held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. By this date, 200 trees along Michigan Avenue get decorated with approximately one million of lights. The festival opens with a spectacular parade showcasing 40 colorful floats. The parade is led by popular Christmas characters such as Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Deer. Regular participants in the parade include Disney’s Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as well as Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog of the Muppets. The parade is noted for its live music performed by marching bands representing local high schools.
The parade concludes with the grand opening of the city Christmas tree followed by open-air concerts. On the day of the Tree Lighting Parade, the Chicago Christmas market officially opens. In the evening, guests of the festival can observe a spectacular fireworks display. The next day, the holiday shopping season on Michigan Avenue kicks off.
Photo: themagnificentmile.com
