McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade 2014: Chicago Route Map, Start Time, Where To Watch Live Stream & More

Think of Thanksgiving, and you think of turkey, football and parades. For millions of Americans, it's a tradition to start the day watching the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held in New York City, but many may not be aware that America’s favorite fast-food chain, McDonald’s, hosts a similar event in Chicago each year.

The “McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade,” thi syear hosted by Mark Suppelsa and Micah Materre, kicks off in the Windy City at 8 a.m. CST Thanksgiving Day and promises a bevy of performances, balloon floats and special guests.

The 2014 Grand Marshal will be rock star Dee Snider, who will be joined by honorary co-host Ronald McDonald. Other guests scheduled to appear include Karolyn Grimes ("It’s a Wonderful Life"), Jackie Robinson West (Little League World Series National Champion), Colin Egglesfield ("Something Borrowed"), Doug Sohn (Hot Doug’s), Marisa Buchheit (Miss Illinois 2014), The Harlem Globetrotters, Yuri Sardarov ("Chicago Fire") and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, according to the event's website.

The event stage, located in front of the Macy’s Building on State Street, will play host to many Chicago-based performers as well as some of the country’s most talented marching bands. The event's official website notes that those who want to attend the parade from that block of State Street will be required to present a VIP ticket. Those without a ticket can watch from one of the various points on the parade route -- see the map below.

For those who want to watch the festivities from the comfort of home, they can tune in to Chicago’s WGN on Channel 9. Those outside Chicago can watch on their local WGN America affiliate or live-stream it from their computers at WGNTV.com. To check what channel is airing the parade in your ZIP code, punch your location in to the event’s official website to learn when and where to tune in.