Some along the parade route said they were excited for another year of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse flipping the switch to light up the Mag Mile.

The day of festive fun culminates in what organizers say is the largest evening parade in the U.S., marking the beginning of the holiday season in Chicago.

The holiday rush is on. Streets in downtown Chicago were packed with holiday festivities on Sunday as crowds gathered on Michigan Avenue for the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade.