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A high school marching band in blue and yellow uniforms marches down a city street in Chicago, playing their instruments.

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Marching Band Performance

4 Days | 3 Nights
Chicago

  • Performing Arts
  • Bowl Games & Parades
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Overview

Talented marching bands strut their stuff at the televised Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. They’ll feel the thrill of marching down historic State Street packed with spectators. During your visit, explore downtown Chicago with a visit to the famous Shedd Aquarium or a boat tour on picturesque Lake Michigan. Applications are now open for November 2025!

Overview

Already Included

  • Hotel accommodations

  • Performance in a college bowl game halftime show or national parade event

  • Exclusive awards ceremony

  • WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help

  • Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy

  • Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program

Scenes from Recent Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Performances

A giant inflatable turkey float at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago's Millennium Park reflects the city skyline and the people walking around it
A marching band in blue and black uniforms with white plumes on their hats marches down a city street in Chicago, Illinois.
Scenic view of the Chicago Riverwalk and skyline with a water taxi.

Health & Safety

WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help. 
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance. 

Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details. 

Payment Plans

Advantage Payment Plan

At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.

EZPay

We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.

Fundraising Tools

Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.

Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.

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