The 2026 Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philly: What to Expect

What’s the parade’s route?

• Starts at 20th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard
• Eastbound on John F. Kennedy Boulevard toward 16th Street
• Northbound on 16th Street to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• Westbound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

  — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

What’s the Thanksgiving parade experience like in Philly?

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. 

Stay tuned for more info on this year’s lineup of live performances and guest appearances.

  — Photo courtesy Philadelphia's 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade

What balloons and floats will I see?

This year, keep an eye out for many of your favorite characters, jumbo-sized and floating along the parade route, including nostalgic characters like Tweety and Rudolph, plus modern heroes like Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon and Sunny Starscout from My Little Pony Generation 5. 

The parade’s floats feature turkeys galore and all of your holiday favorites, including Disney friends Mickey and Minnie, a Winter Wonderland, and, of course, Santa’s Holiday Express. Also in the lineup: Philadelphia’s Freedom Float, a likely nod to the ongoing Semiquincentennial celebration of America.

  — Photo courtesy Philadelphia's 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade

Where are the best places to watch the parade?

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in the heart of Center City, with many prime viewing areas along Pakwèy Benjamin Franklin.

Some of the best places to watch the parade are at Eakins Oval — typically home to the Thanksgiving Day “Dunkin Zone” — or the parade’s finish at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Other locations include 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, as well as various points along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, like Logan Circle.

  — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

How can I get to the parade?

While metered street parking is free in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day, public transportation is another option, as many streets along the parade route close to traffic for the event.

SEPTA’s Regional Rail, buses, subways and trolleys — plus 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.

What other holiday fun can I do after the parade?

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 Orthopaedics Cabin.

Winter at Dilworth Park   — Photo courtesy Center City District

Also at City Hall — as well as nearby LOVE Park — Christmas Village in Philadelphia features a Ferris wheel, a giant, glowing German Christmas Pyramid, a double-decker carousel, tasty German treats and more than 100 vendors in rustic wooden cottages. On sale: ornaments, accessories, handmade toys, high-quality arts and crafts, wintry apparel and much more.

In Old City, the Holidays in Franklin Square programming offers festive events and winter games. This year’s attractions include the Ben Franklin-inspired Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, 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.