# Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Starts an Hour Earlier

> Chicago Thanksgiving Parade begins at 7:45 a.m. for first time in 92 years.
- Title: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Starts an Hour Earlier | Shortify
- Summary: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade begins at 7:45 a.m. for first time in 92 years. Chicago Thanksgiving Parade starts an hour earlier than usual for the first time…
- Keywords: chicago thanksgiving parade, chicago bears, thanksgiving day, cbs chicago, detroit lions, charles peanut tillman, grand marshal, state street, ida b wells drive, randolph street, Chicago Sun-Times
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/11/12/chicago-thanksgiving-parade-to-start-an-hour-earlier-for-the-first-time-in-92-years
- Published: 2026-11-12T21:19:31.971+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chicago thanksgiving parade, chicago bears, thanksgiving day, cbs chicago, detroit lions, charles peanut tillman, grand marshal, state street, ida b wells drive, randolph street, news, local
## Parade Start Time Change
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade begins at 7:45 a.m. for first time in 92 years.
## Television Broadcast Schedule
Television broadcast starts at 8 a.m. on CBS Chicago ahead of Bears game.
## Grand Marshal Announcement
Charles 'Peanut' Tillman, former Bears cornerback, named grand marshal.
## Grand Marshal Background
Tillman won Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2013 and popularized 'Peanut Punch'.
## Honored Guest
Jake Connelly, 14-year-old actor from Arlington Heights, joins as honored guest.
## Parade Route Details
Parade runs Thursday, Nov. 26, along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street.
## Admission and Activities
Admission is free with over 80 entries including giant balloons and performances.
## New Attractions
New attractions include Cookie Monster balloon and Santa Claus sleigh.
## Event Changes
New start time eliminates one hour of stage performances before broadcast.
## Parade Participants
14 giant balloons, seven marching bands, five local bands, six equestrian units, 15 performances.
## Key takeaway

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade starts an hour earlier than usual for the first time in 92 years to broadcast ahead of Bears game.