Let the Holiday Season Officially Begin

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Nov 19, 2005 2:56PM

The trees along North Michigan Ave. have been light up for more than 40 years, signifying the official start of the holiday season in Chicago. Today the festival starts at Pioneer Court (at the Equitable building) at 11 am with Disney characters putting on a stage show (the above photo was taken yesterday when they were setting up the stage). All day long there will be carollers, food, activities for the kids, dancers & tumblers, charitable events, and even a little petting zoo. Then at 6pm the procession begins.

Mickey Mouse is the master of ceremonies and will lead the illumination of more than a million lights on the Mag Mile. This will go on for about an hour and then there will be a fireworks display over the Chicago River. Just when you think you can't take any more stimulation for the day, go shopping! Participating stores on Michigan Avenue will be open until 10pm tonight to help you get a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Whew. That's a long day! 11am - 10pm. For a full schedule of events, check out the Mag Mile site. And if you go, don't forget to bring your camera. There's a photography contest and the photos that are chosen as winners will be used in 2007 Light Night promo materials.