2014 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

LIGHTS! MUSIC! MAGIC! ABC 7 CHICAGO KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON NATIONWIDE WITH LIVE BROADCAST OF THE BMO HARRIS BANK 2014 MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 AT 6:00 PM.

Featuring Mickey Mouse and Minne Mouse, Straight from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Elsa and Anna from Disney on Ice "Frozen"; Special Performances Include Dee Snider from Broadway in Chicago's "Dee Snider's Rock n' Roll Christmas Tale; Kendall Schmidt, from Big Time Rush and Heffron Drive; Sabrina Carpenter, Hollywood Records Recording Artist; Jacquie Lee, presented by Radio Disney; Nico and Vinz, presented by Southwest Airlines; The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, coming soon to the Lyric Opera; Along With The Grand Finale, Santa Claus.

The magic of the holidays, Chicago style, is captured for viewers around the country when musical performances, beloved Walt Disney World characters, dazzling fireworks and more than a million twinkling Michigan Avenue lights set the stage for the live broadcast of the spectacular BMO Harris Bank 2014Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Saturday, November 22 from 6-7:00 pm. Encore broadcasts will air Sunday, December 14 from Noon-1 pm; Sunday, December 21 from 2-3:00 pm on ABC 7 Chicago.

The hour-long special, showcasing the country's largest evening holiday celebration, will be co-hosted by ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchors Cheryl Burton and Alan Krashesky. ABC 7's Janet Davies will spotlight some of the best acts from Broadway in Chicago and Tanja Babich will capture the magic from the street.

This marks the 23rd anniversary of the sparkling Lights Festival and the 8th consecutive year this much anticipated tradition will be broadcast to Chicago audiences on ABC 7, the most watched television station in the city. Throughout the holiday season, the special will also be watched and enjoyed by a national audience, via syndication. Broadcast times are available in local listings.

In the first official parade of the holidays, Grand Marshal Mickey Mouse, escorted by the lovely Minnie Mouse, from the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, will illuminate over one million lights on 200 trees along "The Magnificent Mile," one of the grandest avenues in the world. (Mickey Mouse has served as the Grand Marshal for the past 22 years; this is the fifth time Minnie Mouse will join him.) Appearing on an awe-inspiring float, the world's most famous couple will lead the way for more than 40 breathtaking floats, helium-filled balloons, classic characters from the Walt Disney World Resort, lively marching bands from across the country and musical performances by top artists.

Viewers will be treated to special performance by Twisted Sister's Dee Snider from "Dee Snider's Rock n' Roll Christmas Tale" now at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower; Kendall Schmidt, from Big Time Rush and Heffron Drive; Sabrina Carpenter, from the Disney Channel's "Girl Meets World," series and a Hollywood Records Recording Artist; pop singer Jacquie Lee, presented by Radio Disney; Norwegian singing/songwriting duo, Nico and Vinz, presented by Southwest Airlines; The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, coming soon to the Lyric Opera.

Members of the ABC 7 Eyewitness News team-- featuring Kathy Brock, Jason Knowles, Mark Giangreco, Eric Horng, Jim Rose, Ben Bradley and Tracy Butler--will be spreading good cheer as they ride atop ABC 7 Chicago's whimsical float during the parade.

The live broadcast's grand finale will light up the sky (and children's hearts) with a dazzling fireworks display over the Chicago River, just as Santa makes his exciting arrival on the scene!