Inside the Wintrust Mag Mile Lights Festival: Where holiday dreams came to life

For the 33^rd annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, people from across the country turned out in record numbers to see the magic along the Mag Mile. This iconic event, the largest evening parade in the U.S., delivered festive surprises that had onlookers cheering from start to finish.

This year, mega balloons made their debut, stealing the show with two beloved Muppets. Towering 60 feet tall, Kermit the Frog floated alongside his rambunctious 50-ft-tall bandmate, Animal, charming spectators of all ages. Adding to the excitement, the Magnificent Mile Association upgraded all one million twinkling lights along the route to maximize their brilliance across more than 200 trees, according to President and CEO, Kimberly Bares.

My husband Chuck and I were honored to be invited onboard the Enjoy Illinois bus which was an experience we will never forget! Two years ago, we rode on the My Eye Dr. bus and the crowds this year were noticeably larger which was so good to see! Chicago is slowly coming out of the darkness of Covid and showing up in droves; some estimates put the number at nearly 1 million.

Looking down on that sea of smiling faces with so many kids dressed in holiday attire, was so heartwarming. Chicago is certainly dressed for the holidays; there were soaring searchlights, giant snowflake projections on the Wrigley Building and a grand fireworks finale.

This year’s floats were packed with show-stopping entertainment. Highlights included performances by disco legends The Former Ladies of Chic, the funk-driven Cameo, the harmonious Sharpe Family Singers, and the nostalgic beats of Quad City DJs.

On the Enjoy Illinois float, Chicago Blackhawks DJ Lee Michaels kept the party alive as we all waved silver and blue pom-poms down the Mag Mile. Adding to the excitement were seven high-energy marching bands from across the country and the beloved Rudolph, carried by athletes and families from Special Olympics Illinois.

Following the parade, the festivities continued with a private after-party at the Fairmont Chicago, hosted by title sponsor Wintrust. Guests were treated to a feast featuring a prime rib carving station, flaming eggnog, s’mores and decadent desserts. The room was buzzing with holiday cheer as notable attendees mingled, including Grant DePorter, Beth Heller, Daniel Thomas, Kimberly Bares, Marla Cichowski, Lisa Fielding, Michelle Mekky, John and Martha Idler, Rich Gamble, Gail Spreen, Chelsea Harvey, Mary Ann Rose, Heinz Kern, Peggy and Bill Martay, and others.

With Chicago still emerging from the shadows of COVID, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival proved the city’s resilience and vibrant spirit. A special thank-you goes out to the event’s generous sponsors—title sponsor Wintrust Financial Corporation and presenting sponsors Enjoy Illinois, Chicagoland Kia Dealers and Dunkin’—for bringing holiday magic to the heart of the city. Chicago, you’ve outdone yourself. Until next year, let the holiday cheer shine bright!