6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade

📜 The History: The Nation's Oldest Parade

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade holds the prestigious title of being the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States, marking its 106th march in 2025.

The parade holds the record for being the longest continuously held Thanksgiving parade, having been held every year since its founding, including throughout the Great Depression and World War II.

📅 The Essentials

• Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day)
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
• Pre-Show: 8:30 a.m. ET (TV broadcast begins)
• Parade Steps Off: 9:00 a.m. ET
• Location: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
• Viewing Cost: Free and open to the public along the entire route.

🗺️ Parade Route (1.4 Miles)

The parade travels from Center City to the iconic Art Museum steps.

• Start: 20th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard (JFK Blvd)
• Turns: East on JFK Blvd $\rightarrow$ North on 16th Street
• Main Stretch: West on Benjamin Franklin Parkway (Inner Lanes)
• Finish/Grand Finale: Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Eakins Oval)

🧍 Best Viewing Strategy

To get the best experience, you must decide what you prioritize: performances or space.

• For the Live Performances & Finale (Most Crowded):
• Post up at the Art Museum Steps (Eakins Oval). This area is the "Dunkin' Zone" and is where all the featured celebrity and stage performances occur, culminating with Santa's arrival.
• Arrival Time: Arrive extremely early (around sunrise, 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.) to secure a curbside spot.
• For Less Crowds & Space:
• Choose a spot along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway closer to Logan Circle. The route is wide here, allowing crowds to spread out.
• For City Hall Photos:
• The area around 16th Street offers a unique chance to capture the balloons and floats with the magnificent backdrop of Philadelphia's City Hall.

🚌 Transportation (Crucial Details)

Public Transit (SEPTA) is strongly advised due to extensive road closures starting Wednesday evening.

• SEPTA Regional Rail/Subway:
• Suburban Station is the most central stop, close to the parade's middle section (16th and JFK Blvd).
• Take the Broad Street Line (BSL) to Spring Garden or Race-Vine for access to the Parkway.
• Driving & Parking:
• AVOID DRIVING along the route. Road closures begin as early as midnight and impact traffic and bus service until the mid-afternoon.
• Parking: Metered street parking is FREE on Thanksgiving Day, but finding an open spot will be extremely difficult. Consider commercial garages near the Convention Center or 30th Street Station.

🎭 Entertainment Highlights

• Balloons: Expect giant character inflatables, including perennial favorites like Smurfette, Peppa Pig, and Hermey the Elf, alongside new holiday-themed elements.
• Performers: The lineup typically includes major national musical acts (like The Four Tops, Asher HaVon, and Bianca Ryan), cast members from Broadway tours (Beauty and the Beast, Back to the Future), and local talent.
• Finale: The parade concludes with the grand entrance of Santa and Mrs. Claus, officially starting Philadelphia’s holiday season.

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