#1 Parade & Holiday Event (up from #2)
The largest evening holiday celebration in the country centers on a grand parade down Michigan Avenue. In 2014, there were 40 floats—including one made out of candy. There were also musical performances on the BMO Harris Bank Stage and family-friendly activities in an area dubbed Lights Festival Lane. The event draws more than one million spectators, including many tourists, and ends with a fireworks display over the Chicago River. It’s also broadcast in several states by ABC7. Next: November 21, 2015
#2 Parade & Holiday Event
Founded in 1929, it is the country’s oldest and largest African-American parade. Held in Chicago’s South Side, the event features some 350 floats and draws 1.8 million spectators. It’s also broadcast on national TV. After the parade, a picnic in Washington Park attracts around 150,000 guests. Next: August 13, 2016
#4 Parade & Holiday Event
In 2014, the parade featured giant inflatables of Fred Flintstone, Strawberry Shortcake, and other characters. There were also equestrian units, floats, and specialty units including the St. Paul Bouncing Team. The parade draws some 400,000 on-street spectators; it’s also broadcast on national TV. Next: November 26, 2015
#5 Parade & Holiday Event (up from #6)
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2015, it is the largest open-air Christmas festival in Chicago. Inspired by a German market, the festival features nearly 60 wooden huts slinging roasted nuts, mulled wine, and holiday ornaments. In 2014, the fest expanded by opening a second location in Oakbrook. Next: November 20-December 24, 2015
#6 Parade & Holiday Event
More than one million spectators typically gather to cheer on the festive parade. This year, the event had a Color Our World With Pride theme and more than 200 registered entries. The grand marshal was country singer Ty Herndon. Next: June 2016
#7 Parade & Holiday Event
Chicago's is one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation. The event begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza. Local fallen heroes are honored, and their families are given Gold Star or Next of Kin lapel pins. A parade along State Street follows. Next: May 30, 2016
#8 Parade & Holiday Event
With some 500,000 spectators, the colorful parade celebrates Mexican culture with floats, mariachi bands, and dancing in the streets. The parade is broadcast on ABC7 News. It culminates in the Festival de La Villita, which features carnival rides and live musical acts. Next: September 2016
#9 Parade & Holiday Event (up from #10)
Italian and American flags fly at the celebration of Italian-American culture. Following State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street, this year’s parade featured 150 units, including floats, marchers, and bands. Attendees included city and state dignitaries. Next: October 10, 2016
#10 Parade & Holiday Event (up from #11)
The kind-spirited parade sees around 20,000 motorcyclists collecting holiday gifts for underprivileged children. Many of the cyclists wear Santa hats and deck their handlebars with candy canes and other ornaments. Next: December 6, 2015
#11 Parade & Holiday Event (up from #12)
Some 2,000 young professionals attend the massive Union Station bash, which takes place annually on the night before New Year’s Eve and offers cocktails, snacks, and dancing. Proceeds benefit HighSight’s scholarship programs, and this year’s sponsors include BMO Harris Bank, Edelman, and Ariel Investments. Next: December 30, 2015
#12 Parade & Holiday Event (up from #13)
Held at Union Station, the sweets-centric event drew some 1,000 guests in 2014. Nearly 25 local chefs, caterers, and chocolatiers served up inventive treats, and the event raised approximately $134,000. There was also an award program that doled out honors in categories such as “Best Sweet” and “Best Libation.” Next: December 3, 2015
#13 Parade & Holiday Event
One of the largest Latin events in the nation, the celebration takes place for four days in Humboldt Park. It features music, entertainment, Caribbean cuisine, and carnival rides. The parade travels down Division Street and showcases some 75 floats. Next: June 2016
