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Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parking Guide  

  • Event Parking
  • Celine Jerly
  • 7 minutes

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Chicago’s annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is on for 2023! From the tree-lighting ceremony at the Wrigley Plaza to the grand parade down Michigan Avenue, the wholesome family-fun weekend is a holiday season kick-off event you don’t want to miss. To make sure Magnificent Mile parking doesn’t play spoilsport, we’ve got you a few tips and tricks right here.   

While summer is all about cruises and tours, the holiday season lights up Chicago’s Magnificent Mile for a magical winter. The holiday tree lights switch on at the Wrigley Building on Saturday, November 18, 2023. And, the Tree-lighting Parade marches down Michigan Avenue on the next day.

Before the parade, the festive cheer fills the Lights Festival Lane, where families spend their Sunday exploring the festive booths and activities. The Chicago holiday tradition is not to be missed – even if you have to take a road trip downtown.   

Worried about Magnificent Mile parking? The commercial district has a big challenge up ahead. Demand for parking spots surges during the holiday season. Shoppers and tourists keep the buzz going even after the Lights Festival weekend.

But before we show you around the best parking options in the Magnificent Mile District, here’s all you need to know about the 32nd Annual Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the vibrant downtown neighborhood.   

Chicago-Magnificent-Mile-Lights-Festival-parking-banner

Read: What is the best way to find cheap parking in Chicago?

Is it a Michigan Mile Lights festival or parade?  

It’s a festival wrapped up by a parade! Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue hosts the annual Lights Festival a week before Thanksgiving to officially kick off the holiday season. The weekend starts with the tree-lighting ceremony outside the iconic Wrigley Building.

The Lights Festival Lane at 401 North Michigan Avenue brims with family activities. And finally, grand marshals Mickey and Minnie lead the parade of marching bands, celebrities, performers, giant balloons, and decorated floats down the Mile from Oak Street to Wacker Drive. You can’t miss a million lights that illuminate over 200 trees along the avenue!  

Michigan Avenue holiday lights chicago

Also See: All you need to know about overnight parking in Chicago

What time does the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival start?  

The tree-lighting ceremony kicks off the festive weekend at 4 pm on November 18, 2023. Head to The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza as early as possible for front-row views. The very same day – November 18 – the grand tree-lighting parade starts from Oak Street at 5: 30 pm. But before that, the holiday spirit goes live at the Lights Festival Lane from 11 am in the morning, and you have the whole day to soak it all in before the parade.   

Where can I watch the event?

You cannot make it to the event in person? No worries. Catch the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on ABC 7 Chicago on Sunday, November 19. There will also be additional broadcasts at other times during the holiday season. Plus, you can watch the show on the ABC7 Chicago News app and on ABC7Chicago.com.

Where to park for Magnificent Mile Lights Festival?  

While public transportation might seem like the easier option, driving to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is more convenient when you have the whole family in tow. Don’t let downtown Chicago parking troubles get to you by choosing street parking, especially during the holidays.

Even if you are ready to risk a parking ticket, finding a spot on the streets near Magnificent Mile demands a lot of time. Book a Magnificent Mile parking garage space to avoid this hassle and make the most out of the Lights Festival weekend.   

Also Read: How to Avoid Parking Tickets for Illegal Parking in Chicago 

Note: During the Chicago Lights Festival, traffic will be restricted on North Michigan Avenue. DuSable Bridge, previously known as Michigan Avenue Bridge will close for pedestrian traffic from 3 pm on November 18, 2023. The stretch between Oak Drive and Wacker Drive will be closed off at 4 pm on the same day for vehicle traffic.   

Drive-up parking spots will be limited during the weekend at garages and lots closest to the event venue and parade route. Plan your visit and book a pre-book your Magnificent Mile parking space online

More Garages for parking in Magnificent Mile

Lot Name/Location Distance from Magnificent Mile Rates Find Parking
233 E Erie Street parking 0.1 $15/hour Book Now!
111 EAST CHESTNUT SELF PARK 0.2 $13/hour Book Now!
STATE AND CHESTNUT 0.3 $14/hour Book Now!
671 N Clark St Parking 0.3 $3/hour Book Now!
680 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE 0.4 $10/hour Book Now!

Magnificent Mile parking fees can be on the higher end. But it’s worth paying $20 for the guaranteed security and convenience. Here’s where you can find the best parking garages near Mag Mile in downtown Chicago.  

Magnificent Mile parking lots  

Magnificent Mile stretches over 13 blocks along the North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, from the waterfront to Oak Street. Peppered with architectural landmarks and other high rises that make up the iconic city skyline, the neighborhood attracts millions of visitors every year.

Chicago’s regular spot on the ‘Worst Cities for parking in USA’ list is enough proof for downtown’s parking troubles. Availability and affordability go head-to-head. Finding a parking garage near Magnificent Mile is easier and quicker if saving a few bucks is not your priority. 

Also See: How to Avoid Parking Tickets for Illegal Parking in Chicago  

The three major shopping centers on the Mile – 900 North Michigan Shops, Water Tower Place, and The Shops at North Bridge – have on-site parking garages. Most restaurants offer valet parking services, while hotel packages include overnight parking for guests.

Daily parking spots are available at prominent skyscrapers on Mag Mile also have on-site garages for daily parking. The top picks are the John Hancock Center lot, Water Tower Place Parking Garage, 120 E. Delaware Place lot, Nordstrom’s Garage, and the NBC Tower Garage. Multiple parking facilities are also available on Huron, E North Water, and E Illinois streets.   

Magnificent Mile parking lots

Cheap Magnificent Mile Parking  

Magnificent Mile parking during the annual Lights Festival in November might seem like a challenge. But if you stay off the streets and pull right into a downtown parking lot, half the battle is won. But the bigger task is to make it affordable. Upscale shops, restaurants, and hotels keep the demand high for Magnificent Mile parking spots throughout the year.

The commercial and cultural neighborhood in the heart of downtown Chicago is also a major tourist destination, which adds to the rising parking rates. But it isn’t impossible to save a few bucks at well-maintained Mag Mile parking lots.   

Affordable downtown Chicago parking spots are only a click away. Park at these top-rated garages without breaking the bank.   

N Clark Street Garage: $3 for an hour or $12 for six hours – it can’t get cheaper or closer than this covered self-parking lot at 671 N Clark Street. Discounted rates are available for online reservations – book early for the best deal.   

Highlights of the Parade

The parade will pass through North Michigan Avenue aka “The Magnificent Mile“. It will have over 200 trees illuminated with over a million lights. This year Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will lead the parade.
It will also have marching parades, floats, giant helium balloons and live entertainment. Some of the artists performing live during the parade are The Sugarhill Gang, The Funky Bunch, Colin Stough and Sister Sledge. Do not miss Santa Claus himself on the final float welcoming you all into the Christmas festivities!

What are the popular places to eat in Magnificent Mile Festival?

There are a variety of eateries located at different places through which the parade goes. Some of these are:

  • Grand Lux Cafe
  • M Burger
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Michigan Avenue
  • Sweetwater Tavern & Grille
  • Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch
  • Portillo’s Hot Dogs
  • Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap

You’ll find more affordable Magnificent Mile parking garages on parking apps and websites like Way.com. Compare rates and amenities offered at each lot for the best deal. Get more Chicago parking deals here.


Gift your new car the great parking and auto refinance deals! Download Way, the auto super app, to find the best EV charging near you, car wash, and auto insurance. You can also get gas discounts on your next road trip. 


 

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