Parade Info

McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade - General Information

Date:
November 27, 2008 —Thanksgiving Day

Time:
8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Place:
State Street—from Congress to Randolph
Google Maps Directions

Broadcast:
Live national broadcast on Superstation WGN, available in approximately 72 million households - 9:00am to 11:00am CT
Live local broadcast, in high definition, on WGN-TV and WGN-DT 9.1 - 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Route Map:
The parade travels north on State Street from Congress to Randolph. Click here for a downloadable map

Units:
Giant helium balloons, fabulous floats, award-winning marching bands, talented equestrian units, unique performance groups, local and national celebrities.

Viewers:
1.5 million

On-street:
400,000

Weather:
Average high – 42; Average low – 29; Late November in Chicago can bring a variety of temperatures and conditions. You should be prepared for all weather conditions. The show
will go on regardless of the weather.

Directions:

From the Northwest, take I-90 or I-94 East (Kennedy or Edens Expressway) and exit at Ohio Street. Turn right on State Street.

From the East, take the Chicago Skyway to the local traffic lanes of I-94 West (Dan Ryan Expressway). Exit onto I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) and follow the signs to Lake Shore Drive north. Turn left on Balbo to State Street.

From the West, take I-290 East (Eisenhower Expressway) into downtown as it turns into Congress Parkway and runs right into State Street.

From the South, take I-55 (Stevenson) and follow signs to Lake Shore Drive north. Turn left on Balbo to State Street.


By Public Transportation:

Metra operates 12 commuter rail lines into downtown Chicago from the surrounding six counties. Call 312.322.6777 for the holiday schedule. Check online at www.metrarail.com

Amtrak has 50 trains that arrive or depart Chicago daily. Only a 20 minute walk from the parade route, Union Station is located on Canal Street, between Jackson and Adams. Call 800.USA.RAIL. Check online at www.amtrak.com

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers convenient bus and train lines to the parade route. El passengers should take the Red Line to Harrison or the Brown/Orange/Green Line to the Library/State/van Buren stop. For route, fare and schedule information, call 888.968.7282. Check online at www.transitchicago.com. CTA offers service from both O’Hare and Midway airports.


By Air:

Midway Airport serves thousands of travelers each day. Call 773.838.0600 or check online at www.flychicago.com for more information.

O’Hare International Airport also serves travelers flying to Chicago. Call 773.686.2200 or go online at www.flychicago.com for information.

Lodging:

Hyatt Regency Chicago is the official hotel of the McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade. Call 800.233.1234 and ask for the McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade block. Check online at www.chicagoregency.hyatt.com.


Parking:

InterPark

20 East Randolph
312.986.6863

17 East Adams
312.554.0112

203 North LaSalle (entrance also on Clark)
312.750.0868

181 North Dearborn (Theatre District)
312.368.9090

All meters are free on Thanksgiving.


Restrooms
Portable facilities are located throughout the route. Handicap accessible facilities are available in the staging area and along the parade route.

Viewing Area for Persons with Disabilities
The McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade is accessible for persons with disabilities. Spectators with special needs can view the parade from the SW and SEcorner of State Street and Jakson the designated viewing area for persons with disabilities.