Weekend drive · Nov 20–22, 2026
Milwaukee and Chicago holiday kickoff road trip 2026
Food and dance from dozens of cultures at the Holiday Folk Fair on Friday, a convention center full of muscle cars on Saturday, then the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade and fireworks in downtown Chicago that night. On Sunday, warm up under glass at the Milwaukee Domes on the way back. November 20–22, 2026.
The four stops
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Friday night · Heritage festival
Holiday Folk Fair International
Friday, November 20 · West Allis, Wisconsin · event dates: November 20 - 22, 2026
The International Institute of Wisconsin brings ethnic food, dance and culture together in the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Friday hours are 2 pm to 9 pm. Gate admission is $16 for ages 8 to 61, and kids 7 and under get in free.
- Drive about 1 h 20 min (about 80 mi) to Rosemont.
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Saturday daytime · Car show
Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN)
Saturday, November 21 · Rosemont, Illinois · event dates: November 21 - 22, 2026
Rare muscle cars and Corvettes fill nearly 400,000 square feet of indoor space at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, with special displays, guests and live music. Saturday hours are 9 am to 8 pm. Adult tickets are $45, and kids 12 and under get in free with an adult.
- Drive about 35 min (about 17 mi) to Chicago.
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Saturday evening · Lighted parade
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Saturday, November 21 · Chicago, Illinois · event dates: November 21, 2026
The parade starts at Oak Street and Michigan Avenue at 5:30 pm, and fireworks go off over the Chicago River at about 7:15 pm. Michigan Avenue closes to cars from 3 pm, so park early or take the train in. The east side of the street is usually less crowded.
- Drive about 1 h 45 min (about 92 mi) to Milwaukee.
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Sunday on the way home · Garden show
Milwaukee Domes Holiday Show
Sunday, November 22 · Milwaukee, Wisconsin · event dates: November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
The holiday show opens in the Show Dome at Mitchell Park on November 21, next to the tropical and desert domes. Weekend hours are 9 am to 4 pm, and the last admission is at 3 pm.
Drive home to West Allis, WI: about 15 min (about 6 mi). Gas prices near Milwaukee
Drive times are approximate. Check your route before you leave.
At a glance
| Stop | Type | Dates | Drive from previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Holiday Folk Fair International | Heritage festival | Friday, November 20 (runs November 20 - 22, 2026) | Start |
| 2. Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) | Car show | Saturday, November 21 (runs November 21 - 22, 2026) | about 1 h 20 min |
| 3. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival | Lighted parade | Saturday, November 21 (runs November 21, 2026) | about 35 min |
| 4. Milwaukee Domes Holiday Show | Garden show | Sunday, November 22 (runs November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027) | about 1 h 45 min |
Event websites
- Holiday Folk Fair International
- Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN)
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- Milwaukee Domes Holiday Show
Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.
More: All weekend drives · Wisconsin events · Illinois events