Move Over NYC! Illinois Has the 2nd Best Thanksgiving Day Parade

Nothing beats the O.G., which is Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, but did you know Illinois is home to the second-biggest and best Thanksgiving Day parade?

What started as a Christmas Caravan to lift the spirits of citizens dealing with The Great Depression in 1394 has turned into one of the best holiday parades in the nation. The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade has seen an increase each year of people attending and being in the parade.

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Facts About the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

So much can happen in 90- years and the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is proof of that. In the 90 years since the parade started, it's had 10 different official names, It is the largest and most popular parade, parade banners will be featured on 156 light poles in the city, and participants from all over the world travel to Chicago to watch the parade in person.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has the most people attending, but the Chicago parade is the most popular. Just like the Macy's parade, the Chicago parade is broadcasted on TV through WGN and has been since 2007.

So if you want that parade experience but don't want to fight the crowds of NYC just head north to Chicago and experience bands, giant balloons, and stage performances.

I never got the chance to go to the parade when I lived in NYC (it's on my bucket list), but I would love to compare the two and see which one is the best. Macy's has the history, but Chicago has the popularity.