Mag Mile to light holiday lights today
Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected in downtown Chicago for the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday with a lighting procession led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse. It will travel east on Oak Street from Rush to Michigan Avenue, then south to Wacker Drive and east on Wacker to Columbus Drive.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications is encouraging residents to be prepared for extra traffic and road closures. Spectators are urged to use public transportation.
OEMC Executive Director Gary Schenkel says there's no place like Chicago for the holidays. However, he says attendees should "take appropriate precautions for the weather and to enjoy the event safely and responsibly."
The festivities will conclude with fireworks.