Planning a trip for the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival? Here are answers to the questions we hear most, from the parade schedule to where to stay.
About the festival
When is the 2026 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival?
Saturday, November 21, 2026, along North Michigan Avenue.
What is the schedule?
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 11am to 4pm | Lights Festival Lane: live performances and family activities |
| 3pm | Street closures begin |
| 5:30pm | Parade with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, marching bands, floats, and Santa |
| About 7:15pm | Fireworks over the Chicago River |
Is the Lights Festival free?
Yes. The parade, Lights Festival Lane, and fireworks are free and open to the public.
How long do the lights stay up?
More than a million lights come on during the parade and stay up through the holiday season. The Mag Mile is worth a walk any night of your stay.
Planning your weekend
What else is happening that weekend?
Friday, November 20 is one of the busiest nights of the holiday calendar.
| Day | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Nov 20 | City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting | Millennium Park |
| Friday, Nov 20 | Christkindlmarket opens for its 30th season | Daley Plaza and Gallagher Way |
| Friday, Nov 20 | ZooLights opens | Lincoln Park Zoo |
| Saturday, Nov 21 | Magnificent Mile Lights Festival | North Michigan Avenue |
| All weekend | A Christmas Carol | Goodman Theatre |
| All weekend | Holiday windows and the Great Tree | Macy’s on State Street |
When is the Chicago Christmas tree lighting in 2026?
Friday, November 20, in Millennium Park, the night before the Lights Festival.
Is the Christkindlmarket open during Lights Festival weekend?
Yes. Both city markets open Friday, November 20. Daley Plaza runs through December 24, and Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville runs through December 31.
Should I drive to the festival?
We recommend against it. Street closures start around 3pm. Take the CTA or a rideshare, and plan your drop off a few blocks from Michigan Avenue.
What should I wear?
Late November evenings are cold and often windy near the river. Layers, hats, and gloves help.
Do I need reservations?
For theater and the Walnut Room, yes. Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the season, and tables under the Great Tree fill quickly.
Where to stay
Where should I stay for the Lights Festival?
For families and groups, an apartment style suite gives you more space than a standard room. The Neighborhood Hotel has suites in two Chicago neighborhoods, each a short ride from Michigan Avenue.
What does The Neighborhood Hotel Little Italy offer?
Located at 1431 W Taylor St.
- 35 suites with full kitchens and in-suite laundry
- One and two bedroom layouts for families and groups
- Easy access to the Loop, West Loop, and South Loop
- Steps from the restaurants of Taylor Street
What does The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park offer?
Located at 2616 N Clark St.
- 14 suites with stocked kitchens and washer/dryer
- One to three bedroom options in a restored landmark building from the late 1800s
- Walk to Lincoln Park Zoo and ZooLights
- Straight up Clark Street to the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket
Which location is right for me?
Choose Little Italy if you want space for a group and dinner nearby after the fireworks. Choose Lincoln Park if ZooLights and the Wrigleyville market are on your list.
When should I book?
Now. Thanksgiving week books quickly, and the full weekend is busiest of all.
