Keep in mind the following helpful hints for planning your visit to The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by BMO Harris Bank on November 19, 2011!

Planning Ahead:

Plan Meals - Experience the world-class cuisine that is offered by The Magnificent Mile district restaurants. To see a list of local restaurants, check out www.themagnificentmile.com.

Book Hotels - Don’t forget to book your rooms for the weekend at one of the 50 fabulous hotels within walking distance of The Magnificent Mile. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or your significant other, hotel accommodations in The Magnificent Mile district will satisfy all of your travel needs! Visit www.themagnificentmile.com for hotel information to book your stay now!

Remember to pack:

Extra Clothing - check the latest weather forecast on www.abc7chicago.com.

Camera - You’ll want to record your family and friends’ experience on The Magnificent Mile with the twinkling, colorful backdrop. If you are looking for an extra special photo with Santa, he will be greeting all the boys and girls in the John Hancock Observatory booth in Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court.

Holiday Gift List - Kick off your holiday shopping while Chicago kicks off the holiday season! Visit www.themagnificentmile.com for a list of retail shops in the area.

This Check List! - Print it out and bring along with the entire guide for special offers and activities happening all day.

Getting There:

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): Exit Red Line via Chicago Avenue or Grand Avenue. Exit and walk east. For more information, visit www.transitchicago.com.

Suburban Train (METRA): Trains drop visitors at various locations around the city. Walking, taking a taxi, riding the CTA or taking a water taxi are all options to explore once you arrive at the main station. Visit www.metrarail.com for more information.

Taxi Cabs: Taxis are plentiful and easy to catch around the city. Keep in mind that after the procession, you may not be the only one attempting to catch a cab!

Driving: There are many parking garages downtown. For a listing of those in the area, visit www.themagnificentmile.com. See below for street closures.

Water Taxis: From most downtown METRA stations, Chicago Water Taxi has rides available to The Magnificent Mile. Visit www.chicagowatertaxi.com for more information.

BMO Harris Bank Helper Tents:

Stop by the BMO Harris Bank Helper Tents at 625 N. Michigan Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Avenue and 875 N. Michigan Avenue in the John Hancock Center Plaza to get your Magnificent Mile Holiday Activity Guide that includes the weekend’s events, special deals and a helpful map!

Refuel on The Magnificent Mile:

It is easy to find snacks for everyone at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court! Stop by the Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile booth for a signature chocolate chip cookie or the Eli’s Cheesecake Company booth for a piece of cheesecake. Or, follow your nose to Garrett Popcorn Shops at 625 N. Michigan Avenue for some of their famous popcorn or any of our fine restaurants and coffee shops for a power boost.

Trolley Tours:

Enjoy the sites of The Magnificent Mile from one of the trolleys while the driver gives an entertaining and informative tour of the area. Visit www.chicagotrolley.com for more information.

Kid Friendly Stops Along The Magnificent Mile:

While there are dozens of interactive activities to take the kids to at The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by BMO Harris Bank, here are a few additional stops that will be a huge hit with children of all ages:

• American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place
• The LEGO Store, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place
• Galt Toys, 900 N. Michigan Avenue at The 900 Shops
• The Hello Kitty Store, 520 N. Michigan Avenue at The Shops at North Bridge
• The Hershey Store, 822 N. Michigan Avenue
• The Disney Store, 717 N. Michigan Avenue

Outstanding Views of The Magnificent Mile

For the most amazing aerial views of The Magnificent Mile, visit the John Hancock Observatory at 875 N. Michigan Avenue – see The Magnificent Mile from a thousand feet up!

Lighting Procession Viewing

When choosing your spot to view the lighting procession, remember that Michigan Avenue is less crowded on the east side of the street, especially at the north end of the procession route!

Fireworks Spectacular Viewing

A spectacular fireworks show is displayed over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge), so standing along Wacker Drive or in Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Avenue are the prime places to view!

REMEMBER: The DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) closes as early as 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19. If you want to get to your favorite spot for the lighting procession, be sure to make your way across the bridge before that time!

Public Restrooms:

• Lights Festival Lane, Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue
• 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 N. Michigan Avenue
• Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue
• The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Avenue

Parking Garages

G. O. Parking, Inc.

130 E. Randolph Street
111 E. Wacker Drive
441 N. Wabash Avenue
430 N. Rush Street
225. N. Michigan Avenue
18 W. Chicago Avenue
303 E. Wacker Drive
221 E. Chestnut Street

Hammerschlag & Co., Inc.
www.hammerschlagparking.com

201 W. Madison Street
210 N. Wells Street

InterPark
www.interparkonline.com

50 E. Ohio Street
612 – 620 N. St. Clair Street
1000 N. Lake Shore Drive
201 E. Illinois Street
455 N. St. Clair Street
21 E. Ohio Street
520 N. Rush Street
10 E. Grand Avenue

First Aid:

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is located at 251 E. Huron Street

Street Closures:

Wheelchair Viewing

Viewing for those in wheelchairs is available in front of the BMO Harris Bank Stage at Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue) during the day and in front of the Wrigley Building (400 N. Michigan Avenue) during the procession. Drop off for procession viewing is behind the Wrigley Building on Wabash Avenue, just north of Trump International Hotel & Tower.

*Please note, DuSable Bridge (Michigan Avenue Bridge) closes as early as 4:00 p.m. and Michigan Avenue closes as early as 4:30 p.m., so please be sure to allow enough time to access Wheelchair Viewing Area.