Thousands gather for Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade, ushering in holiday season
If you couldn't make it in-person, join ABC7 for our Sunday broadcast of the parade, hosted by Cheryl Burton and Alan Krashesky
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands tested their cold endurance Saturday night in downtown Chicago, as the annual Mag Mile Lights Festival returned with all of its flash and excitement.
People lined Michigan Avenue to get a glimpse of the spectacular sights and sounds.
"I've been going since I was a baby. I love it," said CAin Guzman, who lives in Hammond.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicked off on Saturday afternoon at 5:30 p.m.
The festival parade features fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands and musical performances.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, along with Santa Claus, will soar down the route with lots of snow and cheer on the grand finale float, officially signaling the start of the holiday season.
"This is my first time so I'm a total noob, it's my first time around," said Casey House, from Buffalo Grove.
Chicagoans weren't going to miss one of the biggest events of the year.
"We come every year. We usually come down here and get pizza," said Loretta Sladek, from Berwyn.
The festive night ended with a fireworks show over the Chicago River.
"I'm listening to Christmas music in my AirPods right now, I'm really feeling it," said Amaya Guzman, from texas.
"It's very fun and I like it because my parents let me get a whole bunch of stuff," added Jordan Wiedman.
The event is just part of the weekend festivities, kicking off the holiday season in Chicago.
"It's been very fun. We went to the event yesterday as well for the tree," Jihyeon Na, who is visiting from Texas.
If you couldn't make it out in-person, join us for our broadcast of the parade on Sunday, hosted by Cheryl Burton and Alan Krashesky. You can watch it on Sunday night at 6 p.m. on ABC7.
SEE ALSO | ABC7 Chicago kicks off holiday season nationwide with Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Street closures are planned for Saturday's event.
Closed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Clark Street (east curb lane only from Oak Street to Delaware Street)
- Delaware Street from Dearborn Street to Clark Street (north curb lane only)
- Oak Street from Clark Street to State Street
- Dearborn Street from Delaware Street to Maple Street
- Walton Street from State Street to Clark Street
Closed from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Oak Street from State Street to Michigan Avenue
- North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
- Upper Wacker Drive from Wabash Avenue to east turnaround
Closed from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Upper Columbus Drive (the curb lanes from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street)
- Randolph Street (curb lanes from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive)
- Intermittent closures based on traffic conditions
Closed from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Upper Columbus Drive from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street
RELATED | Chicago police outline safety plans for holidays from downtown to neighborhoods
