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!
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Chicago, IL
Hotel check-in after 4PM
Day 2
Explore the Windy City (optional)
Visit the famous Shedd Aquarium, explore the Field Museum of Natural History, or take a boat tour on Lake Michigan.
See a live show (optional)
Chicago offers a variety of performances to enjoy, including the Blue Man Group, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and numerous theater productions.
Exclusive dinner, dance, and recognition ceremony
Tonight, we will dance the night away at the Elegant Dinner & Dance Party.
Director's Reception
You and your fellow band directors will attend a reception where we’ll outline everything you need to know to ensure a fantastic experience in Chicago.
Day 3
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Happy Thanksgiving! March through the heart of the city as part of the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.
Day 4
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Already Included
Hotel accommodations
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Performance in a college bowl game halftime show or national parade event
Exclusive awards ceremony
Scenes from Recent Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Performances
Health & Safety
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.