The turkey-filled holiday is almost here, and that means the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade will be in full swing this Thursday, Nov. 28.
The event — which happens to be the oldest of its kind in the country — takes over the Ben Franklin Parkway, and is free and open to the public.
As a release notes, the parade will be broadcast live on 6abc, beginning at 8:30 a.m., with the festivities stepping off at 9 a.m. Special guests include Lisa Ann Walter (ABC’s “Abbott Elementary”), Carson Kressley (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “Dancing with the Stars” Season 13) and “Good Morning America” contributing weather correspondent Sam Champion.
The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, as always, will also feature musical performances from local and national high school marching bands, youth choirs, and special dance performance groups.
For those looking to post up and watch, the parade route starts at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard, heads eastbound to 16th Street, then northbound on 16th until it reaches the Parkway, where it will then head westbound towards Eakins Oval. The parade then disperses via Kelly Drive and the Spring Garden Extension. Locals should note, the Thanksgiving Day “Dunkin’ Zone”, will also take place at Eakins Oval, with music, fun giveaways, local food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
Some road closures will begin earlier in the week around Eakins Oval for rehearsals, and most inbound and outbound lanes around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and JFK Boulevard will close to the public on Nov. 27. The day of the Parade, locals can expect additional closures in Center City (including on Market Street from 20th to 22nd streets), and roads will be opened as they are serviced and cleaned. All event-related road closures will be lifted no later than 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. A full list of cross streets and closures can be found online.
As the release also notes, “Temporary No Parking” signs will be posted in connection with the closures beginning Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. Additional road closures and parking restrictions may be necessary in the vicinity of the event venue as dictated by conditions as well. Residents and visitors should always obey posted signs and instructions from the Philadelphia Police Department.
Online is also where you can find SEPTA detours due to the parade. Plus, locals can sign up for the City’s mass notification system, (ReadyPhiladelphia), by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or by visiting phila.gov/ready for more alerts and information.
Additionally, there may still be some spots for a parade viewing party to secure at Assembly Rooftop Lounge (1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway), which overlooks Logan Circle. Being on the roof of the Logan Hotel, the restaurant offers prime views of the parade, and also, a great option for a holiday brunch.
From 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 28, guests can enjoy the holiday floats while indulging in a deluxe breakfast buffet featuring a delightful array of savory and sweet treats, all while sipping on mimosas, Bloody Marys, and hot cocktails from the open bar. As a release notes, to ensure guests keep warm and cozy, the fire pits will be on, as well as standing heaters throughout the space. Tickets are $165+ for standing room and $195+ for seating and can be bought online.
To find out more information on the 2024 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, visit 6abc.com
