Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2025

Schedule

Thu Nov 27 2025 at 08:00 am to 11:00 am

UTC+05:30

Location

East Ida B. Wells Drive | Chicago, IL

Advertisement
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.
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

East Ida B. Wells Drive, East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, IL, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Event Guide in United States

Host or Publisher Event Guide in United States

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Chicago

Parking Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks
Thu, 27 Nov at 01:30 am Parking Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks

United Center

CONTESTS TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Nick Mulvey
Thu, 27 Nov at 02:00 am Nick Mulvey

Schubas Tavern

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Mora
Thu, 27 Nov at 02:00 am Mora

The Chicago Theatre

ART THEATRE
Durango Fest with Alacranes Musical, Montez De Durango
Thu, 27 Nov Durango Fest with Alacranes Musical, Montez De Durango

Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

FESTIVALS LIVE-MUSIC
Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Thu, 27 Nov at 05:00 pm Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

Somerset

Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Thu, 27 Nov at 06:00 pm Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Oklahoma Sooners

Credit Union 1 Arena

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
The 85 South Show
Thu, 27 Nov at 06:00 pm The 85 South Show

Wintrust Arena

CONTESTS TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Atreyu
Thu, 27 Nov at 06:00 pm Atreyu

Concord Music Hall

Madonna Ladies Auxiliary #1135 Breast Cancer Walk
Sun, 05 Oct at 10:30 am Madonna Ladies Auxiliary #1135 Breast Cancer Walk

Canaryville, Chicago

Columbus Day Parade!\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9
Mon, 13 Oct at 12:00 pm Columbus Day Parade!🇮🇹

State And Wacker

PARADES
Meghan Quinn in Chicago - Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal
Wed, 15 Oct at 07:00 pm Meghan Quinn in Chicago - Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal

The iO Theater

ART LITERARY-ART
11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade 2025
Sat, 18 Oct at 06:00 pm 11th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade 2025

State Street

HALLOWEEN ART
NEW! OUT at CHM Bus Tour | South Side LGBTQIA+ Stories
Sat, 25 Oct at 10:00 am NEW! OUT at CHM Bus Tour | South Side LGBTQIA+ Stories

Harris Theater for Music and Dance

ART FINE-ARTS
28th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Fri, 31 Oct at 06:00 pm 28th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade

Northalsted

PARTIES FESTIVALS
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2025
Thu, 27 Nov at 08:00 am Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2025

East Ida B. Wells Drive

PARADES THANKSGIVING

What's Happening Next in Chicago?

Discover Chicago Events