Parade on the Magnificent Mile

We got connections. Or should I say we have friends with connections?

Our friend Jane works for a company that happens to have an office that overlooks Michigan Avenue in Chicago. It also happens to be the perfect place to watch the annual Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights Parade that kicks off the holiday season.

I've always wanted to go to this parade but have always been scared off by the crowds and the weather. I'm just not sure that standing around with hundreds of thousands people in the freezing cold, with a blocked view of a parade sounds worth the hassle. As a result, we never even tried to go this parade...until now.

Not the best picture but, can you see the crowd of people?  This is just one little section
of the street.  Was sure happy to be inside when I saw this!

Jane's building opens up for the evening of the parade and even hosts a reception in the lobby. We got to watch the parade from the comfort of the 12th floor. We had a perfect view. On top of that we enjoyed chocolate-covered strawberries, cupcakes, cookies, hot chocolate, hot cider, and fresh fruit from the reception. It was perfect and so much fun! Our view was right in front of the grand finale firework show. One of the best things we've done in Chicago.

I should also mention that before the parade, we drove in early to grab some food. Jane and her husband Ron are Chicago locals so they took us to the best places, including a Korean taco shop and Molly's cupcakes on Clark Street. The tacos were fabulous and we are now fans of Kimchi fries! As for the cupcakes, we learned why Molly's is famous. YUM!!

Korean Tacos!