The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is taking place this Thursday, and Metro has the details to help you make the most of the holiday tradition.
The parade, free and open to the public, will march from Center City up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Viewers at home can tune in to 6abc, which will air a pre-show at 8:30 a.m., followed by live parade coverage beginning at 9 a.m.
The procession will step off at 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard before heading toward 16th Street and moving onto the Parkway. From there, it will continue around Eakins Oval to Kelly Drive, wrapping up at approximately noon.
This year’s parade will feature a mix of national talent and local performers. Special guests include Sam Champion, Four Tops, David Archuleta, Gabby Samone, Jordin Sparks, Cameo, Asher Havon, Quad City DJ’s, Carson Kressley, and others.
High school marching bands, youth choirs, and dance groups from across the region will take part as well, along with a variety of themed floats.
Families can also stop by the Dunkin’ Zone at Eakins Oval, which will offer music, giveaways, food trucks, and additional activities.
More details on performers, floats, and event programming are available online.
A series of road closures will be in effect throughout Center City and Fairmount, leading up to and during the event. Streets will reopen as they are cleaned and cleared, and all closures are expected to be lifted by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27.
Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area, use alternate routes, and allow extra travel time.
Temporary No Parking signs will go into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. Vehicles parked in restricted areas during posted hours will be relocated. Residents who believe their vehicle has been moved should contact the police district where they originally parked.
SEPTA will be operating on a Sunday Schedule throughout Thanksgiving Day. Bus detour information and updates or changes to service will be published on SEPTA’s System Status page.
Residents can stay updated on weather conditions and city announcements for the event by signing up for ReadyPhiladelphia, the city’s mass notification system. Text READYPHILA to 888-777 or visit phila.gov/ready
