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CHICAGO THANKSGIVING PARADE MEDIA CENTER
Your source for official news, media resources, credentials and assets for the 92nd Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.
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Thursday, November 26, 2026
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State Street, Chicago from Ida B. Wells to Randolph
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8–10 a.m. (Live Broadcast on CBS Chicago); please note the new step off time this year of 7:45am.
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Staging and Balloon inflation takes place at Ida B. Wells & State Street
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Disband happens at Randolph and State in both directions
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Media may stage at Ida B. Wells or Randolph as indicated on the ROUTE MAP
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Admission is FREE along State Street
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Individual Parade Sponsorships include a seat in the TV BROADCAST ZONE in front of Macy's between Washington and Randolph
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Broadcast live on CBS Chicago, Pluto TV and Paramount via CBS Chicago
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Over 80 entries in the parade, 14 giant balloons, 7 bands from across the country, 5 local marching bands, 6 equestrian units, 15 special performances including from Chicago's Elle Banke!
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Grand Marshal - TBA
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6 Charity Partners - YMCA Chicago, Shriner's Children's Chicago, Beyond Type 1, The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, Chicago Cultural Alliance, The Night Ministry and the Cornerstone Foundation.
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Over 500 Volunteers work to make the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade possible
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Over 25,000 guests are expected to gather on State Street for the event
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Official event hashtag #ChiParade tag @ChicagoThanksgivingParade @ChiParade