Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

‘The Oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the Country’

Who loves a good Thanksgiving Parade! Whether you are starting a new family tradition or continuing one, this Thanksgiving Day parade shall be a memorable event for all.

The 100th Annual Philadelphia 6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade was in 2019, with a virtual parade in 2020, because of the Pandemic. The 2021 parade kicks off on November 25 at 8:30 am on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. There will be a 30-minute preview show followed by about three hours of parade and performance time. Dating back to 1920, the parade is the oldest in the nation.

Note: Per the City of Philadelphia’s COVID guidelines for outdoor events with more than 1,000 attendees, masks are required for both attendees and participants at the parade.

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade Experience & Atmosphere

Stretched over 1.4 miles, you’ll get to see some of your favorite costumed characters, giant balloons, marching bands from around the region, festive floats, dancers, celebrities, and much more as they parade through the city.

Some of the cool balloons to look forward to are Rudolph, Cat in the Hat, Daniel Tiger, Bumble the Abominable Snowman Balloon, Gerald the Bookworm, Fiddlesticks, Pac-Man, Gingersnap, and many others. Some of the festive floats are to include A Pirate’s Life, Gingerbread House, Santa’s Holiday Express, The Sounds of Music, Campbell’s Thanksgiving Harvest-themed float, Cool Cats and Hot Dogs, Under the Sea, and more.

A grand total of 42 special guests will join the parade festivities this year, including such national stars as Kool & the Gang, singer/songwriter Amy Grant, comedian Quinta Brunson, Philadelphia Flyers GrittyMickey and Minnie Mouse, Ginger Lee from Good Morning AmericaDr. Thanuja Hamilton, The Philadelphia Eagles Swoop, The Philadelphia 76’ers Franklin the Dog, as well as hometown radio personality Jerry Blavat.

There will be over 100 Marching Bands, Dancers, Tap Schools, Special Units and performers such as the Freedom Patriot Band, Double Decker Bus with Eagles players, Cook-Wissahickon Choir, The Phillie Phanatic, The Boy Scouts of American, Laurel Arts Dance Center, West Chester University Flag Team and many others.

Come out early and don’t miss this spectacular holiday treat which promises to be a family favorite. If you aren’t coming out to the parade in person, you can watch it on ABC, channel 6.

Parade Route

1. Start point: 20th Street & JFK Boulevard. The parade then proceeds east on JFK Boulevard to 16th Street.

2. Parade turns left onto 16th Street, heading towards Arch Street, making a left onto the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

4. Parade bears right, going northwest on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for three blocks until reaching Logan Circle.

5. Parade loops around the southern part of Logan Circle and then continues on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway until it reaches Eakins Oval.

6. Parade proceeds along the south portion of Eakins Oval finishing in front of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Key Spots to Watch the Parade

1. Most definitely at the parade’s finish area at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

2. Campbell’s Winter Wonder Expo Tent. The south side of Eakins Oval, just west of 22nd street & the Ben Franklin Parkway (in front of the Art Museum).  There will be hot food, warm drinks, giveaways and entertainment for kids.

3. Love Park, 20th & JFK. Best area is if you situate yourself on the elevated portions of the park.

4. Logan Circle, where the parade will pass right by on the 19th & Race Streets side.

5. Sister Cities Park, with plenty of space to spread out around.

2021 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Location

Begins at 20th Street & JFK Boulevard and will end at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Date & Time

November 25, 2021 – Thursday  |  Begins at 8:30 am & ends around noon

Cost

Free

Web Site

Photo Credit: M. KENNEDY FOR GPTMC