31. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (312) 409-5560
Description: Bundle up and brave the chill because this is the ultimate in kick-offs to the winter holiday season. All-day festivities include live music and family-friendly fun, plus plenty of shopping. But the anticipation is all about the parade, led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who have the honor of lighting more than a million twinkling lights on 200 trees that line the historic avenue. Following Mickey are over 30 floats, giant balloons, spirited marching bands, celebs, and the biggest star of them all, Santa himself. It all culminates with a fireworks display at the procession’s southern end. Free.