Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade is set to return oh so soon! Viewers at home and in person can expect full marching bands, fun festive floats, performances, and equestrian units.
This year marks the 88th edition of the parade which takes place on Thanksgiving morning. The parade will run from 8 to 11 AM on November 24th and will follow down State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street.
The parade, which was first made in 1934, was originally called Christmas Caravan, and formed in an attempt to uplift people during the Great Depression.
Now, broadcasting live on channel CW26, both Jen Lilley and Jesse Hutch will co-host the annual event. The parade is free, but you can buy a $60 ticket for VIP seating for a prime viewing experience.
A few of the scheduled performers include the American Blues Theater, Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos, Chicago Korean Dance Company, the Cirque Experience, the Jesse White Tumblers Team, Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team, Aztec Dance – Xochitl-Quetzal, Bloom Township High School Choir, the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team, and marching bands from over 19 schools and universities.
At the parade, there will be floats from organizations like Casa de la Cultura Guatemalteca en Chicago, Canadian Pacific, Chicago Chinese Culture & Art Society, Punjabi Cultural Society, Santa’s Village, Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Chicago, and Wu Zhi Lin Performing Arts Association will go down the route as well.
Viewers can also expect to see equestrians from theHerder Holiday Horses, Ray of Hope Riders, SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program, and more. Miss Illinois 2022 Monica Nia-Jones, Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen 2022 Mia Fritsch-Anderson, and Santa Claus will also be making appearances!
Head to the official website to grab your tickets.
If you can’t make it to the parade, the event will be broadcasted on CW26. Find all the info from start times to a live stream link here.