1. Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic
#1 Parade & Holiday Event
With 1.8 million spectators and 80,000 participants, the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic is the country’s largest African-American parade and the second largest annual parade in the nation. Next: August 11, 2012
With 1.8 million spectators and 80,000 participants, the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic is the country’s largest African-American parade and the second largest annual parade in the nation. Next: August 11, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Defender
2. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
#2 Parade & Holiday Event
With Minnie and Mickey Mouse as grand marshals, the festive Magnificent Mile Lights Festival lures one million locals and tourists with floats, fireworks, celebrities, and a processional lighting of 200 trees to signal the start of the holiday season. Next: November 17, 2012
With Minnie and Mickey Mouse as grand marshals, the festive Magnificent Mile Lights Festival lures one million locals and tourists with floats, fireworks, celebrities, and a processional lighting of 200 trees to signal the start of the holiday season. Next: November 17, 2012
Photo: David Harrison Dion
3. Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade
#3 Parade & Holiday Event (up from #5)
The rainbow-hued event has seen attendance more than double in the past three years; now, it attracts an average of 800,000 spectators. This year, organizers of the Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade avoided congestion with a newly lengthened route. Next: June 2013
The rainbow-hued event has seen attendance more than double in the past three years; now, it attracts an average of 800,000 spectators. This year, organizers of the Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade avoided congestion with a newly lengthened route. Next: June 2013
Photo: Susan Mattes
4. McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade
#4 Parade & Holiday Event
The city’s biggest parade to fall on a holiday is the nationally telecast McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, which draws 400,000 spectators. Next: November 22, 2012
The city’s biggest parade to fall on a holiday is the nationally telecast McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, which draws 400,000 spectators. Next: November 22, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade
5. Christkindlmarket
#5 Parade & Holiday Event (new to the list)
A German-style holiday market in Daley Plaza, Christkindlmarket is a popular tradition that draws half a million visitors. Vendors sell hot spiced wine in collectible boot mugs, which are emblematic of the event. Next: November 21-December 24, 2012
A German-style holiday market in Daley Plaza, Christkindlmarket is a popular tradition that draws half a million visitors. Vendors sell hot spiced wine in collectible boot mugs, which are emblematic of the event. Next: November 21-December 24, 2012
Photo: Timmy Samuel/Courtesy of the Christkindlmarket
6. 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade
#7 Parade & Holiday Event
A lively celebration of Mexican culture, the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade draws 500,000 spectators and takes place every September. Next: September 9, 2012
A lively celebration of Mexican culture, the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade draws 500,000 spectators and takes place every September. Next: September 9, 2012
Photo: Marco Flores
7. Memorial Day Parade
#9 Parade & Holiday Event
One of the nation’s largest holiday parades, the Memorial Day Parade saw C.I.A. director David Petraeus as grand marshal in 2012. Next: May 27, 2013
One of the nation’s largest holiday parades, the Memorial Day Parade saw C.I.A. director David Petraeus as grand marshal in 2012. Next: May 27, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of City of Chicago
8. Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade
#11 Parade & Holiday Event
The warm-hearted Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade sees more than 8,000 motorcyclists collecting donations for underprivileged children. Next: December 2, 2012
The warm-hearted Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade sees more than 8,000 motorcyclists collecting donations for underprivileged children. Next: December 2, 2012
Photo: Jack Voss
9. Eve of the Eve
#12 Parade & Holiday Event
The massive party draws 2,0000 revelers to Union Station for an early New Year’s Eve celebration benefiting Hindsight. Next: December 30, 2012
The massive party draws 2,0000 revelers to Union Station for an early New Year’s Eve celebration benefiting Hindsight. Next: December 30, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Spectaculights
10. AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s World of Chocolate
#13 Parade & Holiday Event
A holiday fund-raiser that draws 1,500 guests and offers lavish chocolate treats from 30 confectioners, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s World of Chocolate takes place at the Hilton Chicago each year. Next: November 29, 2012
A holiday fund-raiser that draws 1,500 guests and offers lavish chocolate treats from 30 confectioners, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s World of Chocolate takes place at the Hilton Chicago each year. Next: November 29, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of AIDS Foundation of Chicago
