When it comes to shopping, North Michigan Avenue is so much more than just another city street – there’s a reason they call it the Magnificent Mile, after all. So it should probably come as no surprise that the biggest shopping season of the year is always just a little bit bigger in this part of town, which is why the holiday frenzy will kick off once again this year with the 20th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on Saturday, November 19th.
Hundreds of thousands will line Michigan Avenue to watch as an array of floats, marching bands and musical performers – along with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus – make their way down the Avenue, with millions of twinkling white lights strung from the Mile’s more than 200 trees lighting their twilight path. The 5:30pm parade culminates at the bank of the Chicago River, where a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky.
But the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is more than just a parade, of course. For many of the Avenue’s merchants and restaurants, kicking off the holiday shopping season means rolling out some great deals and special offers:
Wendella Boats
Get a unique perspective on the festivities from aboard a decorated (and heated) Wendella tour boat on the Chicago River. The special Lights Festival Cruise departing at 5:45pm on November 19 features onboard carolers, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, a 90-minute narrated river tour, and an ideal view of the fireworks. 400 N. Michigan; 312/337-1446.
Candyality
Nothing gets an anxious youngster through the waiting and anticipation of December like a daily dose of candy. On November 19th and 20th, this popular sweet shop is offering a candy-filled Christmas Countdown Calendar for just $3, or free with a $15 purchase. 520 N. Michigan; 312/527-1010 and 3425 N. Southport; 773/472-7800.
Chiaroscuro
Art of all kinds will be featured over the Lights Festival weekend, with nominally priced holiday glitter tattoos for kids and hand-painted, personalized Chicago skyline ornaments available on November 19th. 835 N. Michigan; 312/988-9253.
Texas de Brazil
In celebration of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, you are invited to Breakfast with Santa. Join Texas de Brazil for a special breakfast menu, children’s entertainment, and a surprise visit from Ronald McDonald. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. November 19th from 9am-noon. Adults $25, children under 12 $15. 51 E. Ohio; 312/670-1006.
Harry Caray’s
Head over to Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse or Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier following the parade on November 19th and warm up with a complimentary Italian Hot Chocolate at this popular watering hole. 33 W. Kinzie. 312/828-0966 and 700 E. Grand; 312/527-9700.
Trump Tower
Back by popular demand, Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago invites you to celebrate the launch of the holiday season with Reindeer on the River, a festive afternoon featuring special Christmas time guests - two live reindeer, as well as fun reindeer-themed take-aways for children, holiday music and seasonal refreshments. November 19th from 3pm-8pm. FREE. At the Riverwalk, 401 N. Wabash; 312/588-8700.
Hundreds of thousands will line Michigan Avenue to watch as an array of floats, marching bands and musical performers – along with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus – make their way down the Avenue, with millions of twinkling white lights strung from the Mile’s more than 200 trees lighting their twilight path. The 5:30pm parade culminates at the bank of the Chicago River, where a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky.
But the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is more than just a parade, of course. For many of the Avenue’s merchants and restaurants, kicking off the holiday shopping season means rolling out some great deals and special offers:
Wendella Boats
Get a unique perspective on the festivities from aboard a decorated (and heated) Wendella tour boat on the Chicago River. The special Lights Festival Cruise departing at 5:45pm on November 19 features onboard carolers, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, a 90-minute narrated river tour, and an ideal view of the fireworks. 400 N. Michigan; 312/337-1446.
Candyality
Nothing gets an anxious youngster through the waiting and anticipation of December like a daily dose of candy. On November 19th and 20th, this popular sweet shop is offering a candy-filled Christmas Countdown Calendar for just $3, or free with a $15 purchase. 520 N. Michigan; 312/527-1010 and 3425 N. Southport; 773/472-7800.
Chiaroscuro
Art of all kinds will be featured over the Lights Festival weekend, with nominally priced holiday glitter tattoos for kids and hand-painted, personalized Chicago skyline ornaments available on November 19th. 835 N. Michigan; 312/988-9253.
Texas de Brazil
In celebration of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, you are invited to Breakfast with Santa. Join Texas de Brazil for a special breakfast menu, children’s entertainment, and a surprise visit from Ronald McDonald. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. November 19th from 9am-noon. Adults $25, children under 12 $15. 51 E. Ohio; 312/670-1006.
Harry Caray’s
Head over to Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse or Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier following the parade on November 19th and warm up with a complimentary Italian Hot Chocolate at this popular watering hole. 33 W. Kinzie. 312/828-0966 and 700 E. Grand; 312/527-9700.
Trump Tower
Back by popular demand, Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago invites you to celebrate the launch of the holiday season with Reindeer on the River, a festive afternoon featuring special Christmas time guests - two live reindeer, as well as fun reindeer-themed take-aways for children, holiday music and seasonal refreshments. November 19th from 3pm-8pm. FREE. At the Riverwalk, 401 N. Wabash; 312/588-8700.
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