Miracle on 34th Street (or in this case the Mag Mile)

I don't like crowds. I don't usually go anywhere that I know will draw huge crowds. But I make an exception once each year...
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade
This tradition was restarted 16 years ago after a lapse since the 1960's and we've attended all but one. It's definitely gotten bigger over the years. The parade is now put on by Disney. Mickey Mouse is on the first float and with a wave of his wand *magically* lights each block's Christmas lights as he goes past. It's the official start of the holiday season on North Michigan Avenue aka The Magificent Mile. We definitely would watch this on t.v. instead, but my office in the Wrigley Building overlooks the parade.

We feel like we are straight out of "Miracle on 34th Street" and it is definitely the only reason that we attend.

This year our offices are being redone and we are in temporary space on the 14th floor. We couldn't really see Mickey's float until after he went over the Michigan Avenue bridge and turned the corner. But even over on Wacker Drive you can see the crowds.

This picture is looking south on Michigan Avenue towards Millenium Park. These folks can't see much, but still they gather.

Can you believe these crowds?

I would definitely have a panic attack in the middle of that crowd!

There goes Santa with all his reindeer! Next year, when we are back in our regular offices I should have better pictures to share.

One thing I did like about being on the 14th floor was the view of the fireworks after the parade!

The barge and tug boat are in the Chicago River. The blue lights on the river are the police boats keeping other boats away.

When the excitement is over, we head over to State Street to Macy's (the old Marshall Fields)
There we go to see The Great Tree.

Last year it was the 100th anniversary of The Great Tree and Martha Stewart designed and decorated the tree. This year is Tommy Hilfiger. The tree is situated in The Walnut Room. My grandparents took me there for lunch during the holidays and we continue the tradition with our sons.

I hope you've emjoyed this glimpse of Chicago at Christmas. I have so much more to share! Check back again soon, or even better come visit Chicago at Christmastime!

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. -Luke 2:1-3

Blessings, Patti