Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade is stepping off an hour earlier than ever this year, kicking off at 7:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 2026. It’s the first time in the parade’s 92-year history that organizers have moved up the start time, and former Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman will serve as grand marshal for the occasion.
The new 7:45 a.m. start time was confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times by a parade spokesperson, marking an hour earlier than in previous years. The procession will travel along State Street, beginning at Ida B. Wells Drive and proceeding north to Randolph Street, with free admission for anyone who wants to line the route.
The earlier start also changes things for television viewers. According to the same report, the new schedule will eliminate the hour of stage performances that used to happen before the parade entered the broadcast zone. CBS Chicago’s television coverage is set to begin at 8 a.m., with Chicago Bears pregame coverage following at 10 a.m. ahead of the team’s Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Peanut Tillman Takes the Lead Role
Tillman, who played 12 seasons with the Bears, is known across Chicago for popularizing the “Peanut Punch,” a defensive tactic designed to force fumbles that became a signature of his playing style. He also received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the 2013 season, recognition for his work off the field as much as on it. Now he’ll lead the procession down State Street as grand marshal.
Joining Tillman as an honored guest will be Jake Connelly, a 14-year-old actor from Arlington Heights who played Derek Turnbow in the final season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” Connelly has also recently appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Wrigley Field, adding a hometown touch to the parade’s lineup of guests.
More Than 80 Entries Expected on State Street
Organizers expect more than 80 entries to travel down State Street this year, a mix that includes 14 giant balloons, seven marching bands from across the country, five local marching bands, six equestrian units and 15 performances. Among the balloon lineup will be a Cookie Monster balloon and a new sleigh for Santa Claus, both newly featured additions this year.
Downtown Chicago typically draws a sizable crowd for the holiday tradition. More than 25,000 spectators are expected to gather downtown for the parade, according to Choose Chicago. With the earlier call time and a new generation of guests like Connelly joining Chicago football royalty like Tillman, this year’s edition carries a bit more buzz than usual heading into Thanksgiving morning.
