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6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade
The longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade in the country, the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade soars over Center City for its 106th year.
A beloved Philadelphia tradition, the annual procession of extravagant floats, charming balloons and musical performances delights parade-goers 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 27, 2025 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.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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.
This year, keep an eye out for all of your favorite characters, jumbo-sized and floating along the parade route. Smurfette, Red Fraggle Rock and Strawberry Shortcake delight the Gen X crowd, while Peppa Pig in her Party Dress, Hermey with Train and Rudolph with Gift Box will make the littles giggle.
The parade’s floats also feature turkeys galore and all of your holiday favorites, like a giant floating holiday bell and a green nutcracker.
Many of ABC’s biggest celebs join Philly’s parade this year, including: Sam Champion from Good Morning America, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White from Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy’s Ken Jennings, Kelly Rippa and Mark Consuelos, and the cast of Abbott Elementary. Other featured celebs include style superstar Carson Kressley and OG power couple Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Music superstars the Four Tops perform along with numerous others, including America’s Got Talent winner Bianca Ryan, The Voice winner Asher HaVon, funk band Cameo, singer-songwriter Deejay Young and others.
Many stars from Ensemble Arts Philly’s productions are also set to appea at the parade, including Belinda Allyn from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Marty and Doc from Back the Future: the Musical and A Soulful Christmas Mass Choir.
The Philadelphia Professional Football Cheerleaders Alumni energize crowds along the Parkway, as do dozens of students, marching bands and more.
Jeff Kready with the Philly POPS, members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and members of the Philadelphia Ballet are among the local talent hitting the Parkway.
This family-friendly parade pit stop at Eakins Oval features the “Dunkin’ Zone” with 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.
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 Art Museum.
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, subways and trolleys 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 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.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.
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