Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 • State Street
It’s turkey time! The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local tradition for almost 90 years, kicks off the holiday season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of downtown Chicago. The family-favorite event was even named the #2 Thanksgiving parade in the country by TimeOut Magazine.
The parade takes over Chicago’s iconic State Street in the Loop from 8 – 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Watch the colorful procession make its way up State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive north to Randolph Street at this free, all-ages event.
Originating in the 1930s, when it was called the Christmas Caravan, the parade was created to help lift spirits during the Great Depression. It continues to be a cherished holiday tradition to this day.
This year’s live entertainment will include the country’s top marching bands, live music, festive floats, acrobats, equestrians, cultural performances, celebrity hosts, and larger-than-life helium balloons.
When is the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The 90th annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will take place Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT.
Where to watch the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The procession will travel north on a historic stretch of Chicago’s Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. Make sure to get there early to get a spot, or opt for the VIP experience for guaranteed seating with great views. Pluto TV will live stream this year’s parade for a national audience.
Explore more: Looking for more things to do on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago? Check out our guide to Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2024 highlights
The 2024 parade promises to be unforgettable, with a diverse line-up of entertainment from all over the country.
Special guests: The stars of the show for Chicago Thanksgiving Parade this year include:
- Lynn Whitfield, Emmy Award-winning actor for her role in The Josephine Baker Story (1991) and currently appearing in The Chi
- Performances by contemporary country music stars Reyna Roberts, recently featured on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and Donnie Lee Strickland.
- The hosts for this year’s parade are Rock 95.5 personalities: Angi Taylor Morning Show host Marris and late night show host Maria Palmer.
Staged live entertainment: Performers include local and national theatres and dance troupes, including:
- ArtEast Chicago Dance Troupe
- Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos
- Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline
- Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago
- Music Theater Works
- Texas A&M International University
- And more!
Giant helium balloons: Led by Teddy the Turkey, the parade’s official mascot, you’ll see a cast of familiar and much-loved faces, from the Grinch to Cookie Monster to Rudolph and friends.
Marching bands: An annual favorite, watch groups from more a dozen high schools and universities from all over the country.
Specialty units: Cheer on cultural groups, school districts, dance troupes, arts groups, drum lines, acrobats, and beyond along the parade route, featuring:
- Ballet Folklorico Yolotzin
- Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team
- Cirques Experience
- Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline
- Jesse White Tumbling Team
- Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago
- Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team
- Miss Illinois 2024 Breana Bagley and Miss Illinois’ Teen 2024 Lucy Kuelper
- Pro Dance Elite Studios,
- The Unicycling Society of America
- Windy City Ghostbusters
- And more!
Festive floats: These fun and colorful floats will showcase local groups and arts organizations, including:
- Chicago Chinese Performing Arts Ensemble
- Casa de la Cultura Guatemalteca en Chicago
- Oktoberfest USA
- Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago
- And more!
Equestrians: See miniature horses, rodeo groups, and animal therapy programs, including:
- American Sidesaddle Association
- Soul Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program
- Herder Holiday Horses
- Ray of Hope Riders
