Chicago is home to the nation’s largest evening holiday celebration – the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Held this Saturday, November 17, the event will jump start the holiday season with a full day of family friendly activities, live music concerts, and holiday shopping.
This beloved holiday tradition begins with a grand evening parade down Michigan Avenue led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The lighting procession will step-off this year at 5:30pm from Oak and Michigan and proceeds south to Wacker Drive.
The procession concludes with a fireworks show over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue at approximately 6:55pm. For public safety, spectators are not allowed to view fireworks on any of the Chicago bridges.
Street Closures:
The following MAIN STREET CLOSURES will take place as early as 4:00pm on Saturday, November 17 and will remain in place until 8pm or such time as the Chicago Police Department deems it safe to reopen the street:
The following ADDITIONAL STREET CLOSURES will take effect at different times on Saturday, November 17:
Closed 8am to 6pm:
Closed 5pm to 7:30pm:
The following Curb Lane Closures will take effect at different times on Saturday, November 17:
Closed 8am to 6pm:
Closed 4:30pm to 10pm
Given the large crowds expected for this year’s festival and the associated street closures, it is highly advised that residents exercise caution and expect traffic congestion should they decide to drive near the parade route.
Additionally, given the magnitude of the event, there may be significant traffic delays associated with the festival as well as intermittent “rolling” closures not listed in the Street Closure Notice-these are under the jurisdiction of the Chicago Police Department and will be enacted without the consent or notification of the Alderman’s Office.
The OEMC Operations Center will monitor this event accordingly. Residents and visitors are asked to be mindful of street closures and parking restrictions and to expect delays in the vicinity. Traffic Control Aides will also be on hand to assist with traffic flow.
New this year, CDOT expects to close the Dusable Bridge (Michigan Avenue Bridge) to pedestrian traffic for safety as early as 3:30PM. Pedestrian traffic should use Columbus, State or Wabash Bridges as alternative routes.
For CTA Reroute information please click here.
Schedule of Events:
All musical performances will take place on the BMO Harris Bank Stage, located at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue. For a schedule of events, please click here.
For more information about the 2018 Festival of Lights, including in-business events at Mag Mile stores restaurants and hotels, please click here to view the Holiday Activity Guide.
Source: Alderman Reilly Reports 11/16/18
