Top Thanksgiving Day Parades (Other Than Macy’s)

Thanksgiving is around the corner and people around America will celebrate with age-old traditions like turkey, pie and Thanksgiving Day parades. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has long held the title as the best, biggest, most popular and most televised event of the holiday. But, if you find yourself somewhere other than New York for Thanksgiving, these popular parades are definitely worth checking out as well. 

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Chicago)

The Chicago parade started in the depression era to lift the spirits of the city and has lasted ever since. This year is expected to have 5,000 participants and 1,300 volunteers. Festivities start at 8 a.m. as floats, bands and more march down a mile stretch. 

America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Day Parade (Plymouth)

This celebration, located in Plymouth, Mass., takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 18. It celebrates Plymouth Colony as the location of the “First Thanksgiving” with the Pilgrims and Native Americans. If you’re a history buff, this festival is a treat. 

America’s Thanksgiving Parade (Detroit)

This Detroit parade is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country. Hundreds of thousands of spectators come to watch floats, balloons and marching bands parade down Woodward Avenue. The parade takes place Thanksgiving morning at 8:50 a.m. 

Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade (Philadelphia)

This Thanksgiving Day Parade holds the title as the oldest in the country, and is a Philadelphia tradition. The 1.4-mile stretch is filled with floats, balloons, marching bands and more, and, lastly, Santa as he ushers in the Christmas holiday season.