On Saturday, Walt Disney World Resort sent several of its most recognizable characters, including Mickey Mouse, to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago, Illinois. The annual celebration, including the largest nighttime parade in the country, welcomed thousands of attendees eager to kick off the holiday season with a burst of color, light, and, of course, pixie dust.
The evening festivities began with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The pair led countdowns along each city block, triggering waves of sparkling tree lights that brightened Chicago’s historic Michigan Avenue.
Walt Disney World Resort’s presence extended well beyond Mickey and Minnie Mouse. With less than a year until the debut of Toy Story 5 (2026), fans were treated to appearances by Buzz Lightyear and Woody, who arrived dressed for the holiday season. Their float was decorated with presents, blocks, the Pixar ball, and a group of aliens.
After the live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) introduced Stitch to a new generation of fans, he joined Goofy on a snowy-themed float. Both characters entertained the crowd by tossing pretend snowballs and dancing throughout the route.
Children waved glowing wands as Anna and Elsa from Frozen (2013) made their entrance in a horse-drawn carriage. Anna bundled herself against the brisk Chicago wind while Elsa appeared perfectly unfazed; the cold never bothered her, anyway!
Before the parade began, Walt Disney World Resort brought some EPCOT magic to the Lights Festival Lane activity area. The Voices of Liberty, from the American Adventure World Showcase Pavilion, delivered live acapella harmonies near the base of Tribune Tower.
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Viewers across the United States and Canada will have the chance to watch the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade on ABC at 7 p.m. ET, or 6 p.m. CT, on Sunday, November 23. For those unable to catch the live broadcast, the parade will also be available to stream on abc7chicago.com from November 24 through December 31, 2025.
Will you be watching the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade on television? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
