Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade 2021

PHILADEPHIA - The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is back in 2021 and will feature more surprises, balloons, and characters.


Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the largest annual events in the region. This year's parade will feature floats featuring characters from Dr. Seuss and other family favorites. The route starts at JFK Parkway and 20th Street, and then it turns left onto Ben Franklin Parkway to proceed east to the Museum of Art. Once it reaches the end, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade will continue down Ben Franklin Parkway, ending at the historic Independence Hall.

The event is televised on ABC and 6ABC. The 1.4-mile route follows the spirit of thanksgiving and will be accompanied by several bands, singers, and musicians. A number of local groups will also have dedicated floats in this year's parade. In addition, the event will be televised nationally and live-streamed on Hulu.

If you are planning on attending the parade, remember to bring your blanket, snacks, and chairs. Be sure to grab a prime spot along the route because the crowd will be large. While the City is closed to traffic for the day, many streets will be closed for the parade.

If you don't want to drive, you can also take public transportation. It will help you avoid the hassle of parking, as the parade route is marked by temporary closures. It's also important to note that you can't park along the parade route for the day of the event.

The parade will start at around 9:00 am. Pre-show festivities will begin at 8:30 am. If you're planning on attending, you can also bring your blankets and chairs. The crowd will be huge, so get there early. You can also bring a few activities for your kids. If you're bringing the entire family, make sure to plan a picnic lunch before the parade.