From New York to L.A.: Must-See Thanksgiving Day Parades You’ll Love

Article summary:

Celebrate the holiday season in style with this comprehensive guide to the best Thanksgiving Day parades in the U.S. — from the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City to cherished local celebrations across the country. Whether you’re planning to attend in person or enjoy the festivities from home, this guide has everything you need to make the most of the holiday.

What you’ll discover:

• 🎈 Top Thanksgiving parades: Explore iconic events like the Macy’s Parade in New York City, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, Chicago’s Parade, and more hometown favorites across America.
• 👀 Best viewing spots: Learn where to stand for the best views, how early to arrive, and how to avoid the biggest crowds.
• 🦃 Parade highlights: Discover what makes each event unique — from massive character balloons and marching bands to local traditions that bring each city’s spirit to life.
• 🚗 Travel & planning tips: Find practical advice on transportation, what to pack for the parade, weather preparation, and post-parade activities like local dining or holiday shopping.
• ✨ Holiday inspiration: Whether you’re creating a new Thanksgiving travel tradition or simply looking for the best parades to watch, this guide helps you experience the true spirit of Thanksgiving from coast to coast.

With expert insights and detailed recommendations, this guide makes it easy to plan your Thanksgiving parade adventure and enjoy one of America’s most festive holiday traditions.

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and stuffing — it’s also about celebrating traditions that bring communities together. Few events capture that spirit better than a Thanksgiving Day parade.

From the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City to hometown processions filled with local pride, Thanksgiving parades are a joyful showcase of floats, marching bands and larger-than-life balloons that enchant spectators of all ages.

Ready to experience the magic? Here’s your guide to some of the most beloved Thanksgiving parades across the country — plus insider tips to make the most of your parade day adventure.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York City, NY

No Thanksgiving parade guide would be complete without the crown jewel of them all — the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since 1924, this beloved New York City tradition has dazzled generations, drawing more than 3 million spectators to the streets of Manhattan and millions more tuning in at home.

From colossal character balloons to Broadway performances, elaborate floats and top marching bands, the 2.5-mile procession is a celebration of artistry, culture and holiday cheer. The grand finale, of course, features Santa Claus himself, officially ushering in the Christmas season as he glides into Herald Square.

Insider tips:

• Best viewing spots: Arrive early to snag the perfect view along Central Park West (between 59th and 75th streets) for a front-row look at the balloons and performances. For a less crowded experience, locals recommend 6th Avenue between 38th and 59th streets.
• Balloon inflation event: Don’t miss the behind-the-scenes balloon inflation the night before Thanksgiving on 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue (1–8 p.m.). Arrive early and bring your camera for spectacular shots of the giant balloons coming to life.
• Download the Parade Ready App: The Parade Ready App, available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, is the ultimate companion parade, offering real-time updates, interactive maps and fun augmented reality features.

America’s Thanksgiving Parade – Detroit, MI

Detroit’s America’s Thanksgiving Parade has been lighting up Woodward Avenue since 1924, making it one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated holiday traditions. This dazzling event features massive helium balloons, intricately designed floats, lively bands and performances that reflect the Motor City’s rich cultural heritage.

Insider tips:

• Parade route: Arrive early to claim a prime viewing spot along Woodward Avenue — especially near Campus Martius Park, where Detroit’s massive Christmas tree adds extra sparkle.
• Don’t miss: Tour the Storyland of Floats, a 200,000-square-foot exhibit showcasing the artistry behind Detroit’s parade floats. Afterward, join the citywide celebration at the Detroit Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day football game.

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade – Chicago, IL

Chicago knows how to celebrate Thanksgiving in style and the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade is one of the city’s brightest holiday traditions. Running along historic State Street, this vibrant parade has delighted audiences for more than 80 years, showcasing the city’s cultural diversity and festive spirit. The event features towering helium balloons inspired by iconic characters, intricate floats, dynamic marching bands and lively performers that bring downtown Chicago to life.

Insider tips:

• Prime street-level views: While VIP seating is available, many parade-goers enjoy the energy of watching from the street. For an excellent vantage point, head to the intersection of State and Randolph streets. To secure a top spot, plan to arrive before 8 a.m., as the best viewing areas fill quickly.
• “Reel” Chicago parades: Curious about the parade’s place in pop culture? Explore how Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade—and other city parades—have been immortalized in film, revealing the stories behind the floats, the magic of the production and the connection between holiday tradition and cinema.

H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade – Houston, TX

Deep in the heart of Texas, the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a cherished holiday tradition, lighting up downtown every Thanksgiving morning. This lively celebration blends Southern hospitality with festive cheer, featuring high-flying character balloons, marching bands, dance troops and acrobatic performers. With more than 400 participants, including local celebrities and floats from the Houston Rodeo, the parade offers a distinctly Texan spin on the holiday season.

Insider tips:

• Parade route: Arrive early to secure a prime spot along the route. City Hall and the Houston Public Library offer excellent sightlines and tend to be less crowded than other areas.
• Skip the parking hassle: Take Houston’s light rail, which has several stops along the parade route. Public transit makes getting to the parade easier, faster and stress-free.

Philadelphia’s 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday tradition since 1920, making it the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States. This lively celebration brings the City of Brotherly Love to life with oversized balloons, intricately designed floats, dynamic marching bands and captivating performances that showcase both local talent and beloved Disney characters.

Insider tips:

• Top viewing locations: Eakins Oval, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offers prime early-route viewing, while Benjamin Franklin Parkway is ideal for catching the parade’s grand finale. Both spots give close-up access to floats, performers and balloons.
• Must-see performances: Disney-inspired shows are a parade highlight, featuring iconic characters from princesses to superheroes that enchant both kids and adults.

Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade – Charlotte, NC

A beloved tradition since 1947, the Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade in Charlotte is a grand celebration that showcases the city’s vibrant spirit and local talent. Held on Thanksgiving Eve, the parade begins at 5:45 p.m., lighting up Uptown Charlotte with giant helium balloons, elaborately decorated community floats, high-energy marching bands and captivating performances from local talent. Recognized as one of the Southeast’s most anticipated holiday events, it draws visitors from across the region to celebrate the season in style.

Insider tips:

• Best views: The intersection of Tryon and 4th streets is a prime spot to watch the parade’s dramatic turn, offering front-row access to balloons, floats and performers.
• Post-parade fun: After the festivities, explore Uptown Charlotte’s holiday offerings, from the festive lights at Romare Bearden Park to ice skating at the NASCAR Hall of Fame plaza. Cozy cafes and boutique shops make it the perfect way to extend your evening.

Hollywood Christmas Parade – Los Angeles, CA

Kicking off the holiday season in true Tinseltown style, the Hollywood Christmas Parade may roll out a few days after Thanksgiving—but it’s a Southern California tradition you won’t want to miss. Bringing together the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with festive cheer, this star-studded event kicks off the season in true Tinseltown fashion. The parade dazzles spectators with appearances from beloved celebrities, dazzling floats, colorful balloons, energetic high school bands and, of course, the main event—Santa Claus riding in on his sleigh to officially usher in the holiday spirit.

Insider tips:

• Where to watch: For the best view, head to Hollywood Boulevard, where you can see the parade roll past the legendary Hollywood landmarks. Snap photos with the iconic Hollywood sign in the background, adding a touch of magic to the experience.
• Celebrity sightings: One of the most glamorous aspects of this parade is the potential for surprise celebrity appearances. From A-list actors to beloved TV personalities, keep your camera ready to catch a glimpse of Hollywood stars joining the fun, making this event a uniquely star-studded holiday tradition.

No matter where you celebrate, Thanksgiving parades are a timeless reminder of the joy, creativity and community spirit that bring the season to life. Whether you’re cheering from a crowded city street, watching from home with family these festive processions capture the heart of the holiday. So let the music, magic and memories of Thanksgiving parades across America fill your holiday with cheer.