Sitting quietly in the early morning, I noticed that the branches outside were almost bare. Looking at the trees that have shed all their leaves strangely lightens my heart. Then it suddenly occurred to me that the time has come for the city trees to be lit up again this year.

This year's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will take place on Saturday, November 21. This is stated on the official website, and local news reports confirm the same date. However, please be aware that the official page still shows last year's date of the 22nd, so don't get confused.

Last year was the 34th event, making this the 35th festival. The fact that a city has been lighting up the same street with the same lights for thirty-five years is quietly impressive.

The parade starts at 5:30 PM. It departs from the intersection of Oak Street and Michigan Avenue and heads south. According to reports, it ends near Wacker Drive just after crossing the DuSable Bridge.

As the parade passes, 100,000 lights will be lit up on 200 trees along the street. This year's Grand Marshals are Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Santa Claus will be riding in the final float.

The fireworks are scheduled to start at 7:30 PM over the Chicago River near Michigan Avenue, according to the official page. Some articles mention 7:15 PM, so it might be wise to arrive a bit earlier. Wacker Drive along the river is recommended for a good view.

During the day, the Lights Festival Lane will be open from 11 AM to 4 PM. Performances, music, and family events will take place around 401 North Michigan Avenue. The lineup for this year has not yet been announced.

I do not recommend driving into the city on such a day. According to official guidance, road closures will begin as early as 3 PM. If you spend time searching for parking, you might tire out before you even see the lights.

So, I take the train. Arlington Heights Station is on the Metra UP-NW line, and it is 22.9 miles to the terminal at Ogilvie Transportation Center. Sitting by the window and watching the towns pass by becomes a brief meditation.

In terms of fare zones, Arlington Heights is in Zone 3. On weekdays, the one-way fare varies by zone, but on Saturdays, there's not much need to calculate separately.

The Metra fare guide lists a $7 day pass that allows unlimited travel on all lines for the entire day on Saturdays or Sundays. Just a round trip covers the cost, making this the simplest choice for the festival day.

There is also a $10 weekend pass that covers both Saturday and Sunday, but it is only available through the Ventra app. If you're not planning to go downtown for two consecutive days, the one-day pass is sufficient.

There have been reports that Metra fares increased starting in February of this year. So, I recommend checking the Metra website or the Ventra app for the fare on the day before you leave.

If you are over 65 or a Medicare recipient, you can purchase discounted tickets with an RTA discount fare permit. You need to have the permit to apply the discount, so it's good to check if you have it in advance.

Weekend schedules have wider intervals between trains compared to weekdays. If you want to catch the evening parade, it's best to take a train around 2 or 3 PM. You can check the exact times on the Metra app's Saturday schedule.

Once you arrive at Ogilvie, you will have to walk quite a distance east to reach Michigan Avenue. If walking is a burden, you can take a CTA bus, and if the weather is nice, a leisurely walk along the river is also pleasant.

I choose to walk. As I walk, watching the sun set between the buildings and the river darken, I realize there's no need to rush.

The parade starts from the north and moves down toward the river, while the fireworks explode above the river. If you plan to see both, it's best to find a spot close to the river from the beginning for a shorter route.

The Chicago River breeze in November evenings can be sharper than expected. Be sure to bring a thick coat, gloves, and a hat. Since you'll be standing for a while, bringing warm tea in a thermos will make it much better.

As this is a crowded event, the return trains will also be busy. Instead of rushing to the station right after the fireworks, it's more comfortable to take a short break nearby and catch a train that's a bit later.

If you find crowded places difficult, there's also a way to watch from home. The parade will be streamed live on abc7chicago.com, and it will be rebroadcast on ABC7 the following day, Sunday, the 22nd, from 6 PM to 7 PM.

Still, I would like to encourage you to experience it in person at least once. The lights you see on screen are not the same as the lights you see in the cold air.

Every year, standing on this street, I realize one thing. Trees can only wear lights after they have shed all their leaves.

The saying that you must empty to fill is unnecessary to explain in front of that scene. If it were a lush summer tree, those little bulbs wouldn't shine so brightly.

Having lived here for a long time since immigrating, I have held onto many things and let many go. Looking back, something different has come into every space I've released.

Even in the crowd, take a moment to close your eyes and breathe. There will come a moment when the sound of drums, children's laughter, and the river breeze blend into one. The phrase "this moment" seems to exist for such times.

The train ride back is usually quiet. Everyone looks a bit tired, with slightly warmed faces, gazing into the darkness outside.

This year, I recommend putting down your car keys and taking a $7 pass instead. The lightest journey often returns the most filled.