Want to experience the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the United States — yes, Philadelphia was first! — but feel overwhelmed by the logistics? While the crowds can be intense, the magic is unforgettable. This year, turn off the TV and enjoy this iconic holiday tradition with your family in person. Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the Philly Thanksgiving Day Parade?

November 27 (Thanksgiving Day), 2025, from 8:30 am–noon

Where is the Parade Route?

The parade begins at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard, travels east along JFK, turns left onto 16th Street, continues down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and finishes in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Getting There

Plan your route carefully since Thanksgiving Day brings road closures and heavy crowds. Your best transportation option depends on where you want to watch the parade.

Pick Your Viewing Spot

Start by deciding where you want to watch the parade.

• Near the parade start (JFK & 20th): Easy access from Suburban Station and City Hall.
• Along the Parkway or near the Art Museum: Expect road closures and limited vehicle access — arrive early and prepare to walk.

Driving

If you plan to drive, leave plenty of extra time. Thanksgiving Day road closures cause traffic delays, but arriving early makes parking easier.

Parking Tips

• Metered parking is FREE in the city on Thanksgiving Day.
• Many streets are closed for the parade, so plan carefully and look at road closures before you go.
•  Check with the PPA for the lots that are operating near where you’d like to be.

Rideshare

Uber, Lyft, and taxis are great options for getting close without parking hassles.

Where to Watch the Parade

The parade route offers several great viewing options, each with its own perks. Choose based on whether you prefer prime entertainment, indoor comfort, or a relaxed street-side spot.

The Dunkin’ Zone (Eakins Oval)

This is the main performance area and the heart of the action. Expect giveaways, free samples, live music from Q102, photo ops, and great views of dancers and floats as they perform for TV.

The Comcast Center

Another family-favorite viewing spot. It offers indoor warmth, restrooms, and the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, a free, 15-minute show on one of the world’s largest LED displays. If you’re with a group, let a few people hold your spot along the parade route while others warm up inside.

Anywhere Along the Route

The entire route is lively and festive. If you see an open space, grab it! Families often spread out blankets and enjoy the morning together.

Where to Eat

Whether you want to warm up mid-parade or grab lunch afterward, here are some great family-friendly picks near the Parkway. If you’re staying in town longer, there are a lot of family-friendly restaurants you can check out.

Capriccio Cafe

A beautiful café right on the Parkway. If you can snag an early reservation, it’s a fantastic place to watch the parade or wait out post-parade traffic.

Con Murphy’s Irish Pub

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on parade day. Cozy, casual, and perfect for families looking for comfort food.

Assembly Rooftop Lounge

A spectacular parade-watching option with panoramic Parkway views. They offer ticketed admission with a four-hour brunch buffet and special seating for kids and adults.

City Tap House in Logan Square

Relax with brick-oven pizza, burgers, and giant TVs — ideal for unwinding after hours outside in the cold.

What to Expect

Philadelphia takes pride in its history, and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is part of that legacy. This year marks the 106th year of floats, balloons, marching bands, dance troupes, local performers, and holiday excitement.

Kids love seeing performers “up close,” from tap dancers to high school bands to giant character balloons. And of course, the grand finale: Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving to officially kick off the holiday season.

More Things to Do Nearby

If you’re already in the city for the parade, stick around! Many top attractions near the Parkway and Art Museum area are open on Thanksgiving Day. Check out our rundown on what’s open in Philly on Thanksgiving.

Prefer to Stay Warm at Home?

 You can watch the live broadcast on 6ABC starting at 8:30 am.

Header photo courtesy of 6abc.