Enjoy the festivities in style!
Turkey Day 2024 is just around the corner!
And you know what that means…
It’s time for the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade to make its way through downtown Chicago, dazzling viewers and kicking off the holiday season in style!
Stick with us as we unpack everything you need to know about the event and help you plan the ultimate day out.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page—your ultimate guide to the Windy City Turkey Day Parade gets updated every year!
About the 2024 parade
This will be its 90th year.
Timeout recognized it as the top Thanksgiving parade, second only to the iconic Macy’s Parade in NYC!
It’s come a long way since beginning as a Christmas event during the Great Depression.
Timing—When will the 2024 Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade take place?
The 90th Windy City Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Thursday, November 28th, from 8 AM to 11 AM.
Save the date to catch the festivities live and start the holidays with a bang!
Route—Where will the 2024 Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago be?
It’ll head through State Street, going north from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street.
Tickets—How you can get VIP access to Chicago’s 2024 Thanksgiving Parade
VIP Access means enjoying the spectacle from premium seating in the TV Zone between Washington and Randolph.
Plus, you’ll get exclusive perks like private portable restrooms and refreshments—a game-changer for a long day out.
You can buy VIP Area tickets for $70 each from the parade website.
Pro tip: You can take along kids aged 2 & under for free, but they’ll need to sit on your lap.
Volunteering—How you can join their team
Volunteering lets you get up close and personal with the festivities while picking up practical event management experience.
From handling balloons to guiding crowds, there’s a role for everyone—just sign up on the parade’s official website!
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade viewing tips
Whether you prefer the buzz of the streets or a cozy hotel window, these tips will help you snag the perfect spot to enjoy every moment of the parade magic.
Watch it along the route
You can watch the parade at any point along its State Street route from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street.
Getting a spot near the starting point means less waiting between floats.
Accessibility tip: A designated viewing area for individuals with disabilities is available at the southeast corner of State Street and Jackson.
Catch the action from a hotel
Why brave the chilly outdoors when you can enjoy the parade in comfort?
Several hotels along or near the parade route offer prime views of the festivities.
Here are our top picks:
Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop Chicago
The Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District
The Arlo Chicago
Keep an eye on their websites for exclusive deals or holiday-themed packages.
Planning your Chicago Thanksgiving outing
Need help mapping out the perfect Thanksgiving Day in Chicago?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with tips, attractions, and even dining recommendations to make your day unforgettable.
Pro tip: The parade takes place pretty close to our Chicago escape room in the Dearborn Station, starting less than a 5-minute walk away!
Windy City attractions near the Thanksgiving Day Parade
Make the most of your day by exploring nearby gems like the Art Institute of Chicago or Macy’s on State Street, perfect for post-parade holiday shopping.
Swing by the Chicago Cultural Center for free exhibits or take in breathtaking views from Skydeck Chicago.
Other seasonal events you can add to your Thanksgiving Day plans
Christkindlmarket: Experience the magic of a traditional German holiday market with festive food, crafts, and ornaments.
Turkey Trot: Start Thanksgiving morning with a fun and active 5K/8K run through Chicago’s scenic streets.
Ice Skating at Millennium Park: Glide across the iconic McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, surrounded by sparkling city lights.
Holiday Lights Displays: Marvel at dazzling light installations like ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo or Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Restaurants near the parade route
Grab a bite at crowd favorites like The Dearborn for modern American fare or Miller's Pub for classic comfort food.
Craving pizza? Head to Lou Malnati’s on State for deep-dish heaven, or try The Gage for upscale dining with a cozy twist.
You can also check out Chicago’s best Thanksgiving activities for more ideas.
Frequently asked questions about the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
Is the Chicago parade on TV?
Yes, you can catch the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade live on Pluto TV or stream it online through their website.
Marris from the Angi Taylor Morning Show and Maria Palmer from Rock 95.5 Chicago will host it this year.
Is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago?
No, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is in New York.
On the other hand, Chicago (the band) did perform at the 2023 Macy’s Parade.
Is the Chicago Thanksgiving parade free?
Yes, it’s free to watch along the route. However, VIP tickets are available for those seeking a premium viewing experience.
Where to park for the Thanksgiving Day parade in Chicago?
Parking garages near State Street, such as Millennium Garages or the Grant Park South Garage, are good options.
Pro tip: Download SpotHero and pre-book spots.
How many people attend the Chicago Thanksgiving parade?
The event typically draws around 400,000 attendees, making it one of the city’s most popular holiday celebrations.
Where is the best place to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade in Chicago?
The TV Zone between Washington and Randolph offers prime views of the floats and performances, but anywhere along State Street is great—just arrive early for the best spot!
Looking forward to the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago
As the confetti settles and the holidays roll on, we can’t help but dream of what’s next.
The 2025 Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade promises even more magic, memories, and must-see moments.
Mark your calendars—it’ll be here before you know it!
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