The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Images of America: Illinois)

Today the illumination of this world-famous avenue with more than one million white lights is considered by many the official start of the holiday season. Millions more watch the televised broadcast. The development of North Michigan Avenue, known in its humble early days as Pine Street, and the creation of its holiday and tree-lighting traditions are largely attributed to a dedicated group of entrepreneurs and business leaders, known as the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association. Over the years, this line of visionary Chicagoans recognized the avenue’s potential and committed to making North Michigan Avenue a world-class street with world-class holiday traditions. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® draws some one million visitors each November. Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue, known as The Magnificent Mile®, has a long and rich tradition of celebrating the holiday season in grand style. The North Michigan Avenue district now fe

She asks, did you know: A- The term "The Magnificent Mile" was coined by Arthur Rubloff, founder of one of the largest real estate companies in the 1940s A- Built in 1929, the Palmolive Building enhanced The Magnificent Mile's growing reputation as an architectural showplace. Encore broadcasts will air Sunday, December 14 at noon and Saturday, December 20 at 1: 00 pm on ABC 7 Chicago. This marks the 2nd consecutive year the Lights Festival tradition will be showcased for the Chicago audience on the city's most watched television station, ABC 7, as well for a national audience, via syndication. Ove

Farrar is vice president, marketing and communications, for the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, a membership-driven business and advocacy organization serving The Magnificent Mile® community. Ellen S.