芝加哥麦当劳感恩节游行|McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade - Chicago
The McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade has been an annual tradition for Chicago residents, and this year is no different. The parade, which celebrates its 80th year and is sponsored by McDonald's, will once again march down State Street on Thanksgiving (November 28, 2013).
This Year the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade Will Include:
- Visits from Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald.
- Some of Chicago’s most talented high school marching bands.
- Giant balloons, including Garfield, Curious George and Underdog.
Did you know? The McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade is the only parade in the city of Chicago to feature inflatable balloons every year.
Bit of history on the parade: Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day parade started in 1936 when Walter Gregory, then president of the State Street Council, created the “Christmas Caravan” intended to stimulating economic development on State Street and also to cheer people up during the Depression.
McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade Route:
The McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade website has maps of the parade’s route and viewing areas. The parade begins at 8 a.m. on November 28, starting at State Street and Congress, usually around 11 a.m.
When is the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade:
The parade will take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013.
Where is the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade:
The parade will go along State Street from Congress to Randolph Street. (Worth reading: Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2013 and November 2013 Events in Chicago)
Getting to the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade:
Due to the large crowds it is recommended to take public transportation to the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade. If you are coming from the suburbs, you can take the Metro train to Union Station and then either walk to the start at State Street and Congress or take a cab. Note that if you take the Metro train, it will be operating on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving. Call 312-322-6777 for more information. You can also take the Amtrak train into downtown Chicago. Amtrak has 50 trains that arrive and depart Chicago daily. Only a 20 minute walk from the parade route, Union Station’s address is 225 S. Canal Street, between Jackson and Adams. Call 800.USA.RAIL for purchasing tickets. If you live in Chicago, you can take public transportation to the start, including the CTA bus or EL train. Use our Public Transportation Guide to learn about which train or bus is right for you.
McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade Broadcast Information:
If you can’t make it out for the parade, WGN-TV will have a live broadcast (channel 9 in Chicago). WGN-TV is broadcast nationwide, so even if you are out of town for the holiday, you can still watch it. Last year more than 5 million viewers nationwide tuned in and close to 400,000 spectators lined State Street.
Admission to the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade:
Admission to the parade is free.