Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade 2017: When And How To Watch

CHICAGO, IL — The McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago has exploded in popularity, even in the past couple of years. Eighteen marching bands and and 15 floats will celebrate more than 80 years of tradition Thursday. The parade steps off at 8 a.m., beginning at Congress and State Street, then moving north on State to Randolph Street.

WGN’s Dan Ponce and Lauren Jiggetts will host the televised event, which will broadcast nationwide to over 73 million households, according to the event’s website. Chicagoans can tune in to Channel 9, WGN, or stream it live.

This year’s celebrity Grand Marshal is Ronald McDonald. Other guests include Chef Graham Elliot, Mongolian Strongman Tulga (America's Got Talent alumni), Twista, Harlem Globetrotters and the cast of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast