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6 Things to Know About the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

By Josh McGhee | November 21, 2014 10:21am | Updated on November 22, 2014 8:56am
 Mickey and Minnie Mouse preside over the start of the holiday season Saturday at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse preside over the start of the holiday season Saturday at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade.
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Magnificent Mile/Facebook

CHICAGO — The 23rd annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will spread holiday cheer up and down North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, and we have all you need to know to enjoy all the fun.

1) When is it?

The parade steps off from Oak Street at 5:30 p.m. and travels south on Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive. Don't leave before it's over. The annual fireworks display begins at 6:55 p.m. at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.

2) How crowded is it going to get?

Michigan Avenue is crowded almost every Saturday, but organizers are expecting more than 1.2 million people at this year's parade. Hint: Organizers said the east side of Michigan Avenue is commonly less crowded.

3) How do you get there?

With Oak Street, Michigan Avenue and Upper Wacker Drive among 10 streets that will be closed for the festival, the best route is probably public transportation. Take the Red Line to either Chicago Avenue or Grand Avenue and walk east to get to the festivities.

Keep in mind, the closure of Michigan Avenue has an impact beyond the immediate area, with backups known to stretch all the way to the Ohio feeder ramp and the Kennedy Expy.

The CTA will provide more frequent and longer trains to accommodate the big crowds before and after the festivities. Longer trains will operate along the Blue, Brown, Orange and Red lines from 3-9 p.m. The Red Line also will be running every six minutes until 7:30 p.m.

From 3-9:30 p.m. the following buses will be rerouted near the parade route: No. 3, No. 4, No. 6, No. 10, No. 36, No. 66, No. 146, No. 147 and No. 151.

4) What will the weather be like?

Pack an umbrella, just to be safe. Temperatures should be in the mid 40s when the parade kicks off, with a chance of a light drizzle, according to the National Weather Service.

5) Who's coming?

The parade is led by grand marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse. They brought along some of their friends from Walt Disney World to spread holiday cheer. Also look out for Branden James from "America's Got Talent" atop the Candyality float; Sabrina Carpenter, star of "Girl Meets World," on the Magnificent Mile float; and Anna & Elsa from "Disney on Ice presents Frozen."

6) What else?

Head to Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River early and get the party started with live music at the BMO Harris Bank Stage. Performers include Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Jacquie Lee, Nico & Vinz and Kendall Schmidt of Big Time Rush. Performances begin at 11 a.m. Plus you can hang with the celebs at the Meet-and-Greet Booth at Lights Festival Lane, 401 N. Michigan Ave.

Take a look at the event map here.

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