Magnificent mile holiday decorations

Question

We will be in Chicago Thanksgiving weekend (Friday to Sunday) with young adult children. I read about the magnificent mile lights festival which is the weekend before Thanksgiving. Is magnificent mile lighted and decorated after the festival too?

Answer

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a huge event that takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving, officially marking the start of the holiday season in Chicago. While the festival itself is a major highlight, you'll be happy to know that the Magnificent Mile remains beautifully decorated and lit up after the event, through the holiday season and into the New Year.

Starting with the Lights Festival, which typically features a grand parade and the ceremonial lighting of more than 800,000 lights along Michigan Avenue, the decorations stay up for weeks afterward. So, even though you will be visiting Chicago after the festival, the Magnificent Mile will still be lit and beautifully adorned with holiday lights and festive decorations.

Here are some things you can expect during your visit to Chicago over Thanksgiving weekend:

Holiday Lights: Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile) will be illuminated with festive lights and Christmas displays, including trees, wreaths, and garlands hanging from light posts. The decorations typically stay up throughout the holiday season, so you'll still get to enjoy the stunning sights even after the Lights Festival.
Window Displays: Many of the high-end stores along Michigan Avenue and in the Loop will have their holiday windows beautifully decorated with themed displays. These are popular with visitors and locals alike.
Other Decorations: Many buildings along Michigan Avenue will have festive lighting and holiday decorations that contribute to the holiday cheer. You can also explore other parts of the city for additional Christmas displays, such as at Daley Plaza, where the Christkindlmarket takes place.

Since you’re visiting over Thanksgiving weekend, you’ll also find other attractions and events, like ice skating at Millennium Park and a variety of seasonal performances and concerts, which make the city even more festive during this time of year.

Overall, even though you’re visiting after the official Lights Festival weekend, Chicago will still be wonderfully decorated for the holidays, and the Magnificent Mile will be a beautiful place to explore with your family during the long weekend.

Magnificent mile holiday decorations

More Chicago Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions