Prepare to kick off America's holiday season in style at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. This mile-long festival has attracted over a million visitors daily for more than 32 years now. The festival's nighttime parade on Michigan Avenue is the largest in the United States, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse from The Walt Disney World Resort leading the way. The event boasts an impressive lineup of fantastic floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, fireworks, and more. The parade illuminates over a million lights on 200+ trees along The Avenue, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight.
If you want a unique entertainment experience in Chicago, consider visiting the historic Chicago Theatre. The theatre has been restored to its former glory and is now a popular venue for concerts and shows. It features a French Baroque design, crystal chandeliers, ornate artwork, and other decadent details. The iconic marquee of the theatre symbolizes the city and has been featured in countless works of art, photography, television shows, and movies. Apart from its rich history and stunning architecture, the Chicago Theatre is also a famous venue for live performances. It has hosted various events, including stage plays, magic shows, stand-up comedy, and musical acts. Many favorite artists have performed on its stage, including Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Prince, and Kanye West, to name just a few.
Visit the Hollywood Casino Joliet and try your luck at gambling. With a wide range of games available, including table games, poker machines, penny slots, and live poker, there's something for everyone. So, bring your best poker face and plenty of coins to experience the nightlife fully. Apart from the games, you can also enjoy live entertainment, delicious meals at the restaurants, and thrilling promotions to enhance your experience. And if you're looking for an overnight stay, they have 100 premier hotel rooms and 80 spacious RV sites away from the gaming floor and dining area. If you're looking for more things to do in the area, there are plenty of options available. Some popular attractions include the Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet Slammers - DuPage Medical Group Field, Jacob Henry Mansion, Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, and Pilcher Park.
Navy Pier, built in 1916, was the largest in the world at that time. It served as a docking area for passenger excursion steamers and cargo ships. During both World Wars, Navy Pier was utilized for military purposes such as housing, training, and more. In its non-military role, the pier had many attractions, including a streetcar line, theater, emergency room, picnicking areas, dance hall, auditorium, children's playground, and more. Navy Pier, which sits on the lakefront, occupies approximately 50 acres of land, with sprawling parks, gardens, and sculptures on the lawns. The attraction also has several shops and restaurants. Navy Pier offers a variety of activities, including boat parades, air shows, sightseeing tours, festivals, and fireworks, making it the most popular tourist attraction in Chicago.