The hour-long special features performances such as an opening act with singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera and the hit band Echosmith. Celebrity performances along the parade route include the legendary Charlottesville-bred pop-rock band Parachute; and American singer and five-time number one spot Billboard chart topper, Cece Peniston.
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Want to experience the parade?
The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returns in 2019, starting at Lights Festival Lane on Friday, November 22, at 4 p.m. and then again on Saturday, November 23, at 11 a.m. Free, family fun culminates in the grand Tree-Lighting Parade down North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, November 23 with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resorts Florida.
Want to see it on TV?
Tune in to ABC 7 Chicago Sunday November 24th from 6-7 p.m. Encore broadcasts will air Sunday, December 8, from 4-5 p.m. and Saturday, December 14, from 4-5 p.m. on ABC 7. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will be streamed on the ABC 7 Chicago News app and abc7chicago.com. The festivities will also be available on-demand at abc7chicago.com.
ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchors Cheryl Burton and Alan Krashesky will serve as co-hosts of the broadcast with ABC 7's Rob Elgas and Janet Davies capturing the magic from the street.
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Featured celebrities spotlighted include pop sister duo and winners of Radio Disney's Next Big Thing competition, 2XO; presented by Southwest Airlines, rising singer and actress, Skylar Stecker; singer, songwriter and Chicago-native Matt B; and acapella-singing family group Shelby 5.
This is the 13th consecutive year the much-anticipated tradition will be broadcasted 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 in 90 percent of the country. Broadcast times are available in local listings.
In the first official parade of the holidays, Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, illuminate over one million lights on 200 trees along "The Magnificent Mile," one of the grandest avenues in the world. Appearing on an awe-inspiring float, the world's most famous couple will lead the way for five marching bands from around the country along with breathtaking floats, helium-filled balloons, including the larger than life Hubert the Lion, popular Chicago team mascots Benny the Bull, Tommy the Hawk and more. Classic characters from the Walt Disney World Resort will be front and center who will delight parade goers and viewers alike.
Members of the ABC 7 Eyewitness News team--featuring Ravi Baichwal, Mark Giangreco, Eric Horng, Judy Hsu, Dionne Miller, Larry Mowry, Hosea Sanders, and Cheryl Scott will be spreading good cheer as they ride atop ABC 7 Chicago's whimsical float during the parade.
The 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, as he waves from a beautiful float!