6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade
Note: The 2024 Thanksgiving Day Parade is rain or shine. For more, check out the event’s official Facebook page here.
The longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade in the country, the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade soars over Center City for its 105th year.
A beloved Philadelphia tradition, the annual procession of extravagant floats, charming balloons and musical performances delight paradegoers up and down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, all leading up to the arrival of a very special guest of honor.
Santa Claus — alongside the missus — closes out the festivities atop a magical float of his own, signaling the official start of the most wonderful time of the year.
The parade kicks off on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. with a 30-minute pre-show hosted by familiar faces from 6abc, followed by three hours for the parade and performances.
Every November, the annual 6abc Dunkin Thanksgiving Day Parade sweeps through Center City, bringing with it dozens of festive floats and balloons, plus appearances and performances by national stars, local talent, marching bands, dance companies, choirs and more.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
This year, keep an eye out for characters straight out of your childhood and an armada of fun and festive parade vehicles.
2024’s parade balloons include classic favorites like Tweety Bird, Brainy Smurf, My Little Pony, Bumble the Abominable Snowman and a certain red-nosed reindeer.
Tweety Bird — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
The parade’s floats feature themes ranging from pirates and undersea critters to Disney classics and Philly landmark replicas.
Drawing talent from all over the nation, the parade sees performances by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love, classic tenor Mateo Bocelli, and the traveling companies of MJ the Musical and & Juliet, as well as dozens of students, marching bands and more.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Eddie Bruce with the Philly POPS and the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders, drumline and mascot, Swoop, are among the local talent hitting the Parkway.
Other featured celebs include style superstar Carson Kressley, Abbot Elementary’s Lisa Ann Walter, and OG power couple Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
This family-friendly parade pit stop at Eakins Oval features free coffee samples, other Dunkin’ treats and fun giveaways for all ages.
The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in the heart of Center City, with many prime viewing areas along Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Some of the best places to watch the parade are at Eakins Oval — home of the Thanksgiving Day “Dunkin Zone” — or the parade finish at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Other locations include 20th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard and various points along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, like Logan Circle.
While metered street parking is free in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day, public transportation is the most reliable way to get there, as many streets along the parade route are closed to traffic for the event.
SEPTA Regional Rail, bus, subway, trolley and PATCO routes are within walking distance of the parade. Bike-share stations are also located nearby.
For more information about the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day parade, click the button below.
Now that Philly’s holiday happenings have officially commenced, it’s time to indulge in all things holly and jolly. Luckily, several of the city’s festive attractions are located just a short walk from the Thanksgiving Day parade route.
Winter at Dilworth Park offers four holiday attractions right next to Philadelphia’s City Hall. Lace up and glide around the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink; stroll through the illuminated Wintergarden; shop local at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; or relax by the firepits and enjoy seasonal drinks in the chalet-style Rothman Orthopedics Cabin.
Also at City Hall — as well as nearby LOVE Park — Christmas Village in Philadelphia features a Ferris wheel, a double-decker carousel, tasty German treats and more than 120 vendors in rustic wooden cottages. On sale: ornaments, accessories, handmade toys, high-quality arts and crafts, wintry apparel, and much more.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy Christmas Village
In Old City, Winter in Franklin Square programming offers festive events and winter games. This year’s attractions include the Ben Franklin-inspired Electrical Spectacle Light Show, an 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course packed with iconic winter characters, and street curling.
For more holiday attractions in Greater Philadelphia, click the button below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
