The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River
One of the Windy City’s biggest holiday events is returning for its 33rd year, bringing themed balloons, star-studded performances and a firework extravaganza to downtown Chicago.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, the annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is commemorating the season with one of the largest evening parades in the U.S., featuring interactive experiences for attendees of all ages, presented by Enjoy Illinois, Chicagoland Kia Dealers and Dunkin’.
Anticipated to attract up to one million spectators both in-person and with syndicated coverage across the U.S. and Canada, the parade will air on ABC7 Chicago on Sunday, Nov. 24, from 6 to 7 p.m., hosted by Cheryl Burton, Ryan Chiavarini, Judy Hsu and Hosea Sanders.
Grand marshalls Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort
This year’s festivities kick off with a Lights Festival Lane fête at Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a mile-long parade led by grand marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort.
The evening will commence with the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., made possible with a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Enjoy Illinois.
One million lights will guide the procession from North Michigan Ave. to Upper Columbus, debuting muppet-themed balloons, including a towering 60-foot Kermit the Frog and his friend Animal.
Santa Claus on Wintrust’s Grand Finale parade float
Disney characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Anna, Elsa, Tiana and Belle, will make special appearances on themed floats, concluding with the arrival of Santa Claus on Wintrust’s Grand Finale float, escorted by the new 2025 Kia Carnival HEV and K4 vehicles.
The parade also showcases marching bands and special groups from across the country, including Hawai’i’s Pearl City High School Band, Alabama’s Smiths Station High School Band, Wisconsin’s Greendale High School Band and Michigan’s Petoskey Steel Drum Band, returning thanks to a sponsorship from HDR.
Along the route, disco group the Former Ladies of Chic will perform hits “Le Freak” and “Good Times,” and soul-influenced funk band Cameo will belt out anthems like “Word Up!” and “Candy.”
Special parade appearances from Disney characters Goofy and Pluto
The Wintrust Express will feature multiplatinum, Grammy-nominated music group Quad City DJs, playing tunes like “C’mon and Ride the Train” and “Space Jam.” It will also feature the official Wintrust Mascot Party from professional Chicago and Milwaukee sports teams and Illinois’ Olympic Gold Medalists Shemier Little (Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, track and field) and Alexa Knierim (Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, figure skating).
Enjoy Illinois’ float will host the Chicago Blackhawks official game DJ Lee Michaels, The Pack Drumline from America’s Got Talent and the Illinois Office of Tourism’s iconic mascot, Big Lincoln. Choose Chicago will pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of house music with tunes from record producer and DJ Chip E, a local pioneer who rose to prominence in the ’80s during the genre’s burgeoning movement.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is open to the public and free to attend. For more information, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.
See also: The Complete Guide To Chicago's Biggest Galas And Events In 2024-2025
Photography by: Photos of Goofy & Pluto by Alex Wroblewski, photos of Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus by Ragulikethesauce, photos of The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular by Vito Palmisano
