Chicago Parades – Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Category: Chicago Parades

Reel Chicago: The City’s Parades Through the Lens of Cinema

Welcome to a cinematic journey through the heart of Chicago, where the streets come alive not just with the sounds of marching bands and the vibrant colors of parade floats, but also with the magic of movie-making. Chicago, a city renowned for its architectural beauty and rich cultural tapestry, has also played a starring role in some of the most memorable moments in film history. Among these, its parades have offered a spectacular backdrop, turning ordinary scenes into unforgettable cinematic experiences. From the laughter-filled escapades of a high schooler’s day off to a thrilling chase that weave through the crowds, Chicago’s parades have become more than just events; they’ve become iconic settings that bridge the gap between reality and the silver screen.

Join us as we embark on a nostalgic trip down State Street and beyond, exploring how our beloved Chicago Thanksgiving Parade and other city parades have been immortalized in film. Dive into the stories behind the scenes, discover the magic behind the camera, and celebrate the intersection of Chicago’s parade tradition with the art of filmmaking. Whether you’re a film buff, a parade enthusiast, or simply in love with Chicago, there’s a story here for you. So, let the cameras roll and the parade begin!

FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF (1986)

If you mention a Chicago Parade in the movies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off might be the first one you think of. Matthew Broderick singing “Danke Schoen” before really livening up the massive crowd with “Twist and Shout” at the annual Von Stuben Parade.

Did you know that Matthew couldn’t do a lot of the choreography for the parade? While filming the scenes where he ran through his neighbors back yards, he hurt his knee. This limited what he could do while on the float.

THE FUGITIVE (1993)

The other Chicago Parade movie that you might think of is The Fugitive. Harrison Ford’s character (Dr. Richard Kimble) is able to escape Tommy Lee Jones’ character by dipping into the march at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Filmmakers worked directly with the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 UA (organizers of the parade) to pull off the shot.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994)

John Hughes directed a number of classics, including the first movie in our list. He also directed the remake of Miracle on 34th Street, revitalizing the.classic story into its own beloved movie. Hughes grew up in the Chicago area, and moved back to the area in the mid 1990’s.

The opening scenes of Miracle on 34th Street are a mixture of shots from New York as well as our parade, back when we were known as the Brach’s Holiday Parade and our route was on Michigan Avenue. Many other scenes were shot in the Chicago area as well.

THE WEATHERMAN (2005)

If you’ve followed the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, you may remember seeing SpongeBob Squarepants. This actually had to do with the film production of The Weatherman starring Nick Cage. Although Nick Cage wasn’t in the Parade itself, a bit of movie magic brought our parade route to the movie.

LOVE AT THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE (2012)

This Hallmark movie is full of Chicago, and is about Parade Coordinator Emily Jones (played by Autumn Reese). Her career has been dedicated to producing the parade, and hopes that she will receive a long-awaited proposal from her long-distance boyfriend. In comes a development consultant to try and increase profits who could potentially ruin the joyful spirit of the parade.

A majority of the parade scenes were filmed on site at our parade in our staging area and the southern-most portion of our route, featuring groups getting ready for our actual parade. You can also see the inflation of our favorite balloon – Teddy Turkey.

This year, as we prepare for another spectacular parade, we invite you to be a part of this tradition that has captured the hearts of moviegoers and parade enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a Chicago native or a fan from afar, tuning into the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on Pluto TV offers you a front-row seat to the magic that unfolds on our streets. Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of stories, both on screen and in the streets, that make our parade a cornerstone of Chicago’s cultural heritage.

Don’t let the parade pass you by. Tune in, get involved, perform, or become a corporate sponsor and be part of the legacy that continues to make the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade a highlight of the holiday season. Remember, you might just catch a glimpse of our parade in your other favorite TV shows and movies, weaving the fabric of our city into the tapestry of popular culture. Let’s celebrate together, creating new memories while reliving the magic of parades past. See you at the parade!

Dan Mulka is the Executive Director of the Chicago Thanskgiving Parade Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization charged with keeping the tradition of keeping Chicago’s holiday parade entertaining millions worldwide.

Photo of St Patricks Parade goes lining both sides of the street

Kiss me, I’m Chi-Rish! Chicago celebrates St. Patrick’s Day like no other city in America

Chicagoans, get ready to break out your green and embrace your inner leprechaun because St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in the Windy City!

Chicago has long been known for its extravagant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and this year will be no different. With the largest green-dyed river in the country and three St. Paddy’s parades, Chicago is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday in style.

Boston may be viewed as the hub for Irish-American culture in the US, but did you know that Chicago has more citizens of Irish descent than any other city in the United States? With over 250,000 Chi-Rish, it’s no wonder the city is home to some of the country’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Let’s start with Parades

Chicago’s first celebration kicks off Saturday, March 11, with the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. One of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, the parade has a rich history that dates back to 1843. It was started by a group of Irish immigrants who wanted to celebrate their heritage. It has since grown to become a beloved tradition in the city. The parade officially became an annual city event in the 1950s and now includes over 100 parade entries featuring floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and bagpipers.

The highlight of the day is when the Chicago River gets its annual dose of green dye at 10:00 am. Shortly after, the parade begins at 12:30 pm on Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Street. The river dyeing is a tradition that started in 1962 and has become one of Chicago’s most famous events. Be sure to get there early to catch the organizers working their magic from various boats. The parade will be broadcast live by ABC 7.

The following day, March 12, there are two parades: the Northwest Side Irish Parade and the South Side Irish Parade. The Northwest Side Irish parade celebrates its 20th annual occurrence this year. Parade Organizers will also hold an afterparty at Zia’s Social, 6158 N Northwest Highway. The South Side Irish Parade, originally started in 1979, kicks off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western, and will last approximately two hours.

But that’s not all! There are also plenty of neighborhood events to keep the celebrations going. Head to the Irish American Heritage Center for the St. Patrick Festival, which features traditional and contemporary Irish music and dance, Irish food and drink for purchase, children’s activities, and vendors selling Irish gifts. Or check out Shamrock’n the Block at Old St. Patrick’s Church, which hosts its annual pop-up Irish pub with live entertainment, food, and a heated tent beer garden.

March 17 gets festive

And, of course, no St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without themed food and drinks. Many participating venues and restaurants will serve delicious Irish cuisine, including corned beef, cabbage, and specialty drinks. Be sure to check out Fremont Chicago St. Patrick’s Day and London House Chicago St. Patrick’s Day for some tasty treats.

Last but not least, gather your fellow leprechauns for a Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl to experience the energy and excitement of the holiday while exploring the city’s Irish pubs.

So, our fellow Chi-Rish, get ready to don your greenest attire, raise your glasses, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like never before in the city that knows how to do it best!

Photo Credit: Stock Photo – Canva Pro

Parade participants posting in front of the Gateway in Chinatown (Chicago), holding a ceremonial dragon during the Chinese New Year Parade

Experience the Joy and Culture of Lunar New Year in Chicago: A Guide to the Best Celebrations in Town

The Lunar New Year is a significant holiday celebrated by many cultures around the world, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. It marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar and is a time for families to come together, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the future. It’s a time of joy, celebration, and new beginnings.

If you’re in Chicago and looking for ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are two of the best celebrations in town that are worth checking out:

Banner promoting 2023 Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration (featuring a cartoon rabbit)

The Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration

This celebration takes place on Saturday, January 28th, 2023, and features a parade, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities. The parade starts at 1:00 p.m. sharp at Argyle & Winthrop and features over 20 local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers. The Argyle Street neighborhood is a vibrant and diverse area of Chicago, and this celebration is a great way to experience the neighborhood’s unique culture. For more information on the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration, go to Explore Uptown!

A parade float in front of the gateway in Chinatown, Chicago during the Chinese New Year Parade

The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade

The parade takes place on Sunday, January 29th, 2023, and features a traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands, and marching groups. The parade starts at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and travels north on Wentworth towards the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth. The parade is a great way to experience the energy and culture of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood.

In addition to these two must-see celebrations, there are plenty of other events around Chicago to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Be sure to check out the websites of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce and Choose Chicago for a complete list of events happening in the city.

To make the most of these celebrations, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as the parade routes can be quite long. It’s also a good idea to take public transportation or ride-sharing services to the events, as parking in Chinatown and the Argyle neighborhood can be limited. And remember to bring your camera, as the parades and celebrations are filled with vibrant colors and plenty of photo opportunities.

In conclusion, the Lunar New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and new beginnings. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a family, these celebrations are a great way to experience the vibrant culture of Chicago. Take advantage of the fun, mark your calendars, and join the parade; you won’t regret it! Let’s welcome the Year of the Rabbit with open arms and hearts! Happy Lunar New Year!