The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is back this weekend, bringing with it its annual holiday parade culminating in a fireworks show over the Chicago River.
Lights Festival Lane opens early this year in downtown's Pioneer Court. On Friday, the plaza will offer food options and photos with Santa Claus from 4-8 p.m.
Next door to the plaza, the Wrigley Building will also be hosting its second annual tree lighting.
Saturday's events kick off at 11 a.m. with live music, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and special offers from a number of retailers and restaurants, including a free cup of soup from Corner Bakery Cafe and free italian hot chocolate from Harry Caray's.
From 5:30-7 p.m., the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival tree-lighting parade will step onto North Michigan Avenue at Oak Street. The parade will travel down to Wacker Drive with Disney characters lighting one million lights along the way.
It will end with a fireworks display over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue.
Admission to all events is free.
Local
The CTA will provide additional bus and train service on Satuday for the festival. Longer trains will operate on the Blue, Brown, Orange and Pink lines from 3-9 p.m., and on the Red Line until 8 p.m.
