Chicago Thanksgiving Parade to start an hour earlier for the first time in 92 years

The earlier start will allow the parade’s television broadcast to begin at 8 a.m., ahead of the Chicago Bears’ Thanksgiving Day game.

The Details

• By Sun-Times Wire
• Published November 12, 2026
• Updated on
• November 12, 2026 at

If you’re planning to attend the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade this year, set your alarm an hour earlier.

For the first time in the parade’s 92-year history, the procession will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning — an hour earlier than in previous years, according to a parade spokesperson who confirmed the change to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are.

WATCH HERE

The earlier start will allow the parade’s television broadcast to begin at 8 a.m., ahead of the Chicago Bears’ Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Detroit Lions. Pregame coverage will follow at 10 a.m.

The parade will take place Thursday, Nov. 26, along State Street, starting at Ida B. Wells Drive and proceeding north to Randolph Street. Admission is free.

Other changes to this year’s celebration include a Chicago Bears legend as grand marshal, according to a news release.

Charles “Peanut” Tillman, the former Bears cornerback who played 12 seasons with the team, will serve as grand marshal. Tillman was a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recipient for the 2013 season and is synonymous with the “Peanut Punch,” a tactic used by defenders to force offensive fumbles that he first popularized.

Joining him as an honored guest will be Jake Connelly, a 14-year-old Arlington Heights native actor who played Derek Turnbow in the final season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” Connelly recently appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Wrigley Field, according to the release.

Federal Aviation Administration

Speculation rises over Chicago's role in nationwide FAA ground stop Federal Aviation Administration Here's what we know after nationwide ground stop at US airports The new start time will also eliminate the hour of stage performances that previously took place before the procession entered the television broadcast zone.

More than 80 entries are expected to travel down State Street, including 14 giant balloons, seven marching bands from across the country, five local marching bands, six equestrian units and 15 performances. New attractions include a Cookie Monster balloon and a new sleigh for Santa Claus, according to the release.

This article tagged under: chicago news