This past weekend was the Lights Festival in Chicago, where the city kicks off the holiday shopping season by lighting the Christmas lights in all the trees along Michigan Avenue. The lighting ceremony was supposed to begin at 6:00, but started a bit late. Mickey Mouse led the parade, which was sponsored by Disney. As Mickey approached our corner of the street, the lights in the trees were illuminated. It truly was a magical sight.

There were millions of people, but we still had a great time, sightseeing and people-watching.

The John Hancock building had a gorgeous Christmas tree lit in the front courtyard:

We had dinner at this quiet little Mexican restaurant on a side street. Only five minutes for a table! Most of the restaurants had a sixty to ninety minute wait.

It’s always an adventure for us to go to Chicago. Getting there wasn’t a problem, even with the construction and traffic. Paying $30 to park in a ramp for five hours was painful… and more expensive than our dinner! We will definitely do it again next year.