It's that time of the year again! Thanksgiving time is here and whether you plan to cook, shop or just enjoy this time with family and friends, the Chicago Metro area offers so much to do! Kick off this holiday season by enjoying all that our area offers. Happy Thanksgiving!

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2009 

This famous Thanksgiving Parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on November 26, 2009 and features giant inflatables, marching bands, dancers and more.  The State Street Thanksgiving Parade is attended by over 400,000 spectators and features over 100 participating "units", including marching bands, floats, horses, drill teams, circus performers, and more. Parade starts on State Street from Congress to Randolph  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m

Dining Guide

Thanksgiving is all about eating, so even if you don't plan on cooking or if you were not lucky enough to be invited to dinner you can still feast.  Chicago restaurants will be offering their renditions of the classic holiday feast. From traditional turkey with stuffing and mashed potatoes to spiced-up ethnic interpretations, click here to find a place where you and your family can eat well this Thanksgiving, minus the dishes.

Turkey Shoot at Davis Square Park

Football fans of all ages can head to Davis Square Park for the annual Turkey Shoot event on the field. The games run from 10 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving day, and the event is open to all ages. This free activity is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors before your Thanksgiving meal. Call (312) 747-2001 for more information.

NoMI Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet

The NoMI Thanksgiving brunch is host to one of the largest brunches in the city. This upscale restaurant serves a grand holiday buffet with all of your Thanksgiving favorites and comfort foods. They feature traditional fare such as turkey, potatoes, Thanksgiving sides as well as sides and a grand showcase of desserts. NoMI is located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt hotel on 800 North Michigan Avenue. Call (312) 239-4030 for Thanksgiving 2009 brunch reservations and more information.

The Great Tree at Macy's

Kick off your holiday season on Thanksgiving night with the annual lighting the Macy's Great Tree.  The 45-foot tree takes a few weeks to decorate with over 1,200 themed ornaments and hundreds of lights. It's a Chicago holiday tradition you won't want to miss, and takes place in the Walnut Room of Macy's Chicago.