It's fantastic news that the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will be going ahead this year! Aptly named "Where Grateful Hearts Gather"

Thanksgiving in Chicago is marked by the huge and enduring popular Thanksgiving Day parade on the city's famous State Street, where it has been taking place since 1934 and will be watched live by crowds of hundreds of thousands, with millions more watching on Tv and online via the free live stream. The total audience for this parade has been estimated at an incredible 4 million.

Particular features of this parade include large helium filled balloons that lead off the parade, most notably that of official parade mascot Teddy Turkey. 

The parade also includes marching bands, dance groups, local sports teams, equestrian groups and around 100 floats. It is actually one parade that it is possible to apply to take part in, with applications taken via the event's official website.

Date

The Chicago parade is on Thanksgiving Day as always, which in 2021 falls on Thursday 25th November.

Start time

The parade steps off at 8am and will be completed by 11am.

Parade Route

The parade route is very straightforward, progressing down State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street.

Best Viewing Spots

In terms of viewing points, the best advice is to get there early to secure a decent spot, with total viewer numbers estimated at up to half a million, people generally start arriving around 6am. 

Popular areas tend to be on the eastern side of State Street, in between Congress Parkway and Harrison, and on one of the corners of State Street and Van Buren.

TV & Live Streaming

The Thanksgiving parade is one of the most widely watched in the United States, thanks in large part to the TV broadcast by Chicago channel WGN Channel 9. 

This channel have also for several years now been live streaming the parade, allowing viewers to watch online from around the country, or indeed in the apparent absence of any geo-blocking, anywhere in the world:

Chicago parade live stream

Another viewing option you might like to consider for a different perspective on the parade is to check out some of the live streaming webcams in the area. There are several in excellent positions, including at Macy's right on State Street:

Chicago webcams

Hotels and Accommodation

If you're in Chicago for Thanksgiving then be aware that it is a chilly time of year so plan accordingly. The local hotels do get busy for this period so you will need to make your reservations as far is advance as possible to get the best prices. You can search and check availability for local hotels here.

The post Thanksgiving Events: The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade Is Back appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and Chicago offers some awesome events and shows to enjoy this year. If you love light shows and want to get into the holiday spirit, one of the best events in the area is at the botanic garden. 

Chicago Botanic Garden’s splendid holiday light display and light walk is back this year! Lightscape is a unique holiday experience that sold out last year. All the colors you could imagine shine and twinkle with tons of new features at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, or just want to see some beautiful lights, this is a great event!.

This wonderful trail will take you through dozens of different light displays over the course of a 1.25-mile walk through one of the most beautiful light shows in Chicago. Different artistic installations from multiple artists will line the walkway and glow in the night sky, set to seasonal music that is sure to ignite the senses.

With new installations and artists each year, this year’s display is sure to be a dazzling and unique experience. Over 80% of this year’s Lightscape trail will feature new installations from local Chicago artists as well as international ones.

A Light Show with Artistic Flair

• The french artist Pitaya has created a massive display of poppies called “Floraison” which cling to trees and hang above the walkway canopy.

• Light-saturated pillars that move up and down, creating a landscape of changing shadows and light that is constantly transforming and changing, done by the Australian artist Mandylights.

• Chicago artists Christopher Wren and Fog-Man Enterprises have created the McGinley Laser show – lights and lasers dancing across the water with synchronized music, creating shapes and reflections that rise in the sky.

You won’t want to miss this wondrous display, which will also include the classic crowd favorites like Singing Trees and the Winter Cathedral. A newly reimagined Fire Garden and Heritage Tree will also be present.

Please note that this is not technically a holiday-themed show, but does celebrate the season.

Collaborators include Sony Music, Culture Creative, and Arny Granat from WAD Entertainment.

Details

Event Date: 

Friday, November 12, 2021, to Sunday, January 2, 2022

4:30 pm – 11:30 pm 

with flex tickets available

Last entry at 9 pm

Closed Nov. 25, Dec. 24 & 25

Price is dependent on the day you choose to attend.

Standard:

Adult: $24/$26

Child 3-12: $12/$14

Premium:

Adult: $26/$28

Child 3-12: $13/$15

Child under 3: free

Tickets purchased the day of the event are an additional $2 per ticket

Buy your tickets here!

Erin Benassi

(847) 835-6819, direct

[email protected]

Do you have other holiday events you love? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lightscape: Chicago Botanic Garden’s Beautiful Holiday Season Light Show Is Back appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.