A Guide to the 2022 Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philly

6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade

A true Philadelphia tradition, the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country.

The city streets make way for massive floats, plus local performers from choirs, dance groups, marching bands and more.

And Santa himself arrives in grand fashion, officially ushering Philadelphia into the holiday season.

The parade begins on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022, at 8:30 a.m., with a 30-minute preview show followed by about three hours of parade and performance time.

The annual Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a visual and celebratory feast — and is the perfect holiday treat to partake in with family or friends in Philadelphia.

The eye-catching highlights of the parade are the festive floats and massive balloons, which come in all shapes and sizes and often feature children’s favorite characters.

— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Also making an appearance, as always: Santa Claus.

The annual event also features appearances from special guests and performers from around the region and beyond. 2022’s eclectic mix of performers and celebs includes everyone from The Spinners and C+C Music Factory to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Philadanco, Carson Kressley, Blue Man Group and more.

Parade Route

One of the best places to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade is at the parade’s finish at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Eakins Oval — home of the Thanksgiving Day Parade Zone 2022 — is also recommended.

Other locations along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, like Logan Circle, are also good bets.

For more information about the Thanksgiving Day parade, click the button below.

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in the heart of Center City, with many prime viewing areas along Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

While metered street parking is free in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day, public transportation is still the most reliable way to get there, as many area streets are closed to traffic for the event.

SEPTA Regional Rail, bus, subway, trolley and PATCO routes are within walking distance of the parade. Bike-share stations are also located nearby.

The Thanksgiving Day Parade route is just steps away from several other holiday attractions for those looking to indulge in more seasonal fun in Center City Philadelphia.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink during Winter at Dilworth Park programming next to City Hall
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The Winter at Dilworth Park programming offers five holiday attractions right next to City Hall. Guests can stroll through the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn; cruise around the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink; relax with drinks and snacks in the Rothman Orthopedics Cabin; shop the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; and take in the free Deck the Hall Light Show.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia is also based at City Hall, as well as nearby LOVE Park. Be sure to check out the Visit Philadelphia Holiday Tree, a Ferris wheel, a kiddie train and an upgraded double-decker carousel, plus even more shops in the City Hall courtyard.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia
— Photo courtesy Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Just one block east of City Hall, the Dickens’ Village at Macy’s features a vintage animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol. The 6,000-square-foot village — which is free! — occupies Macy’s third floor. And don’t forget to return to catch the iconic Macy’s Christmas Light Show.

For more things to do during the week of Thanksgiving in Greater Philadelphia, click the button below.

The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.

Make the most of the official start of the holiday season in Philly from November 23-27, 2022…