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The award-winning Chicago Thanksgiving Parade returns on Thursday November 27 2025 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT traveling up Chicago’s legendary State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. This free family tradition joyfully showcases the best talent from across the nation including marching bands festive floats staged performances equestrian units cultural performance troupes and inflatables all led by celebrity hosts and a special visitor from the North Pole—offering a celebration with jolly sights and sounds for attendees of all ages.Rated #2 Thanksgiving Parade in US by TimeOut Magazine
About the Event
This one requires warm clothes. The three-hour-long parade starts at around 8am on State Street and slowly goes through downtown to Congress Parkway and Randolph Street. Massive helium-filled balloons are once again the theme of the day with giant floats marching bands local and national celebrities dance troupes and others entertaining the gathered crowd of thousands all valiantly braving the wind chill. Some hardcore devotees even bring little step ladders to gain a few extra precious inches over the top of the crowds. Not quite as famous worldwide as the Macy's parade in New York City but if you're in the neighborhood it's a worthy substitute.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
East Ida B. Wells Drive, East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, IL, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.