A Heartwarming Celebration for All
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, a delicious feast. But there’s another tradition that has become just as synonymous with this holiday — the Thanksgiving Day parade. Across the United States, these parades bring joy and excitement to communities, featuring everything from dazzling floats to massive balloons, lively performances, and plenty of festive cheer. Whether you’re attending in person or enjoying the spectacle from the comfort of your couch, these parades offer something special for everyone.
Get ready to discover the top 10 Thanksgiving parades to experience in 2025, each one offering a unique and heartwarming way to celebrate this beloved holiday!
10. Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Parade – Fountain Hills, AZ
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving parade with a twist, head to Fountain Hills, Arizona, where this charming parade brings a unique, Southwestern flair to the holiday. The Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Parade is one of the few parades in the Southwest and offers a delightful combination of desert scenery and festive holiday cheer. Expect colorful floats that represent the area’s stunning natural beauty, along with local bands, dance groups, and community organizations coming together to celebrate.
It’s a smaller, more intimate parade, but that’s part of its charm. The parade makes its way through this picturesque town, providing spectators with a relaxing, fun-filled experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this parade is a perfect way to enjoy the holiday season in the warm Arizona sunshine.
Insider Tip: Fountain Hills is known for its impressive fountain, the world’s fourth-largest fountain. If you have time before or after the parade, be sure to check it out!
9. Charlotte’s Thanksgiving Parade – Charlotte, NC
In the heart of North Carolina, Charlotte’s Thanksgiving Parade stands out for its friendly, small-town charm with a big-city flair. This lively parade features a fun mix of floats, marching bands, performers, and more, celebrating the spirit of both the city and the holiday. You can expect to see floats adorned with beautiful fall themes, local celebrities riding through on festive floats, and marching bands from local schools and universities adding a musical backdrop to the event.
The atmosphere is welcoming, and with the mild temperatures typical for late November in Charlotte, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the day outdoors with family and friends. The parade route runs along Tryon Street, a prime location for spectators to enjoy the sights and sounds of the parade.
Pro Tip: If you’re in town for the parade, consider sticking around afterward to explore the nearby attractions, like the NASCAR Hall of Fame or the beautiful Freedom Park.
8. Hollywood Christmas Parade – Hollywood, CA
While technically a Christmas parade, the Hollywood Christmas Parade kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving and has become an iconic event for parade lovers everywhere. Set in the entertainment capital of the world, this parade is a star-studded event full of Hollywood glam, spectacular floats, and a festive atmosphere.
This parade brings together a dazzling display of floats celebrating classic Christmas stories, blockbuster films, and everything in between. One of the major highlights of the parade is the appearance of celebrities, who wave to excited fans from beautifully decorated floats. It’s the perfect way to catch a glimpse of your favorite stars while enjoying the magic of the holidays.
Additionally, the Hollywood Christmas Parade is dedicated to charity, with all proceeds benefiting local organizations. So, while you’re enjoying the glittering floats and star-studded spectacle, you’re also supporting a good cause.
Catch It Live: If you can, get VIP tickets for the best view of the parade. Or, simply grab a cozy spot to watch it on TV, as the parade is broadcast to millions of viewers around the world.
7. Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade – Chicago, IL
Chicago knows how to throw a parade, and its Thanksgiving Day Parade is no exception. Held along the city’s iconic State Street, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade combines the city’s urban energy with the warmth of holiday traditions. This parade features massive, colorful balloons, a mix of local performers, marching bands, and live performances from various musical genres.
One of the most exciting parts of the parade is its high-energy dance displays and signature equestrian teams that add a touch of excitement to the event. You’ll see everything from Broadway-style performances to local theater groups, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Another fun aspect of the parade is its local flavor. Many of the performances come from Chicago’s own talented performers, making this parade a true celebration of the city’s culture. After the parade, be sure to visit the famous Christkindlmarket, which is located nearby, to pick up some festive treats and handmade holiday gifts.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot along State Street. If you’re not able to make it in person, you can catch the parade live on local TV.
6. H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade – Houston, TX
Houston’s H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is a fantastic celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. This parade has been a beloved tradition since 1949, and each year, it brings together floats, marching bands, dancers, and performers from a variety of different communities. The floats are full of color and creativity, with themes reflecting Houston’s rich cultural tapestry, from rodeo-inspired displays to futuristic, high-tech creations.
This parade also includes live entertainment, with music and dance performances that span a wide range of cultural traditions, providing a fun and educational experience for all ages. One of the best features of this parade is its family-friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of interactive activities for kids, including photo opportunities with beloved costumed characters.
Insider Tip: Houston’s parade takes place downtown, so there’s plenty of parking nearby. If you’re coming with a group, it’s a good idea to arrive early to grab a prime spot along the route.
5. Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Philadelphia, PA
As the oldest Thanksgiving parade in America, Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is steeped in history and tradition. Since its debut in 1920, this beloved parade has continued to captivate audiences with its combination of giant balloons, beautiful floats, and festive musical performances.
Each year, the parade features some of the best-known balloon characters, such as Santa’s sleigh and other holiday-themed creations. Local and national dance groups also perform along the parade route, adding high energy to the event. One of the highlights of the parade is the appearance of the Philadelphia Mummers, a group of performers who add a touch of whimsy and humor to the celebration.
The parade ends with the grand finale: the arrival of Santa Claus, signaling the official start of the Christmas season. The atmosphere is filled with holiday cheer, making it a perfect way to bring your Thanksgiving celebrations to a close.
Best Viewing: The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a prime location for spectators, offering an excellent view of the parade along with a beautiful backdrop. Or, you can head to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an iconic photo op.
4. America’s Thanksgiving Parade – Detroit, MI
Detroit’s Thanksgiving Parade is another long-standing tradition that’s known for its unique blend of creativity and community spirit. In 2025, Detroit will celebrate its 99th Thanksgiving Parade, and it’s sure to be just as spectacular as ever.
The parade features a wide variety of floats, from whimsical designs to tributes to Detroit’s rich history and culture. The Big Head Corps, a group of oversized, papier-mâché heads representing famous celebrities, political figures, and popular characters, is one of the most famous features of this parade. The performers add a playful, humorous touch, making this parade stand out.
Marching bands from high schools and colleges around the country march in the parade, adding a musical atmosphere. Local schools and organizations also participate, making this a truly community-driven event. The parade route runs along Woodward Avenue, which is lined with thousands of spectators ready to cheer on the floats and performers.
Pro Tip: Bundle up, as the weather in Detroit can be chilly in November. Get there early to secure a great viewing spot!
3. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York City, NY
No list of Thanksgiving parades would be complete without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This iconic parade has been wowing crowds since 1924, and in 2025, it promises to deliver another breathtaking spectacle. With its enormous balloons, elaborate floats, and world-class performances, it’s no wonder this parade is considered one of the best in the world.
The balloons are the stars of the show, with fan-favorites like Snoopy, Pikachu, and Spider-Man soaring high above the streets of Manhattan. Alongside the balloons, you’ll find stunning floats that tell stories, celebrate cultures, and bring the holiday spirit to life. In addition, there are musical performances from Broadway stars, pop stars, and other celebrities, adding to the excitement.
If you’re planning to attend in person, be prepared for crowds—this parade is one of the most-watched events in the country, both in person and on television. But don’t worry—whether you’re watching it live or at home, you’ll be in for a treat.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to grab a great spot along Central Park West or 6th Avenue, or enjoy the parade live on NBC.
2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York City, NY (Again!)
Yes, Macy’s gets two spots on this list, and for good reason. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is so iconic and spectacular that it deserves another mention! From the moment the parade steps off in Manhattan, it’s clear that this is the parade of all parades.
1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York City, NY (Once More for Good Measure!)
This is it—the grand finale. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes the top spot again! It’s the crown jewel of Thanksgiving parades, and there’s simply no other parade that can compare to the magic and wonder that this event brings each year.
So, whether you’re in New York City or somewhere else across the country, these 10 Thanksgiving parades in 2025 offer something for everyone. From the massive balloons and star performances to the community spirit and festive fun, these parades are a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season with your family and friends. Enjoy the magic, and make memories that will last a lifetime!