Thursday, November 28, 2024 • State Street
It's Türkiye time! The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local tradition for nearly 90 years, kicks off the holiday season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of downtown Chicago. This family-favorite event was named the No. 2 Thanksgiving Parade in the country by TimeOut magazine.
The parade takes over Chicago's famous State Street in the loop from 8 to 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Watch the colorful procession make its way down State Street from Ida B. Wells, then drive north to Randolph Street in this free event for all ages.
Originating in the 1930s, when it was called the “Christmas Caravan,” the parade was created to help boost morale during the Great Depression. This remains a cherished holiday tradition to this day.
This year's live entertainment will include the country's best bands, live music, festive floats, acrobatics, equestrian acts, cultural performances, celebrity hosts, and larger-than-life helium balloons.
When is the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago?
The 90th Annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will be held on Thursday, November 28, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Central time.
Where to watch the Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago
The parade will travel north on a historic stretch of Chicago Avenue from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. Make sure to get there early to secure a spot, or opt for the VIP experience for guaranteed seating with great views. Pluto TV will broadcast this year's parade live to a national audience.
Find out more: Looking for more things to do on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago? Check out our guide to Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago.
Highlights of the 2024 Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The 2024 parade promises to be unforgettable, with a variety of entertainment from across the country.
Special Guests: The stars of this year's Chicago Thanksgiving Parade are:
Lynn Whitfield, an Emmy Award-winning actress for The Josephine Baker Story (1991) who currently appears in The ChiPerformances of contemporary country music stars Rina Roberts, recently appeared on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter and Donnie Lee Strickland. They are Rock 95.5 personalities: Angi Taylor Morning Show host Maryse and late-night host Mariah Palmer.
Organized Live Entertainment: Performers include local and national theaters and dance companies, including:
ArtEast Chicago Dance Troupe Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago Musical Theater Works Texas A&M International University And More!
Giant Helium Balloons: Led by Turkey Teddy, the parade's official mascot, you'll see a host of familiar and much-loved faces, from the Grinch to Cookie Monster to Rudolph and friends.
Bands: An annual favorite to watch from over a dozen high schools and universities from across the country.
Specialized Units: Encourage cultural groups, school districts, dance troupes, art groups, drum lines, acrobatics, and beyond along the parade route, including:
Ballet Folklorico Yulutzin Chicago Boys Acrobatic Team, Circus Experience, Crystal Lake Strikers, Drumline, Jessie White Tumbling Team, Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago, Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team, Miss Illinois 2024 Brenna Bagley and Miss Illinois 2024 Teen, Lucy Studios Elite Professional Dance Quipper, American Unicycling Association, Windy City Ghostbusters, And more!
Festive Floats: These fun and colorful floats will showcase local groups and arts organizations, including:
Chicago Chinese Performing Arts Troupe – Casa de la Cultura Guatemaltica in Chicago – Oktoberfest USA – Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago – and more!
Equestrian: See miniature horses, rodeo groups, and animal therapy programs, including:
American Side Saddle Association, Soul Harbor Ranch Animal Therapy Program, Shepherd's Holiday Horses, Ray of Hope Riders
