The 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day parade has been a Philadelphia tradition since the 1920’s and a personal custom for all families in Philadelphia. Whether you come all the way from the Northeast, are making a short trip from South Philadelphia, or have court side seats in the Art Museum Area, everyone knows that this is not a parade that should be taken lightly. From your favorite celebrities, including Scooby Doo, T-Rex, Santa, and more, to captivating dance ensembles to marching bands, this larger than life spectacle shows both visitors and locals how to break in the Holiday season. Plus, at any moment, you can be one of the many giveaway winners!
Remember that the 1.4 mile parade begins promptly at 8:30am and runs until approximately noon.
Take a look at what’s to be expected this year:
Famous Faces
This year’s parade falls nothing short of amazing! Complete with a star studded line up, vivid decorations and floats, and contagious energy, it will have your family and friends watching in awe and wonder. So who’s on the list? Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies, Santa on his sleigh, Charlie McDermott of ABC’s The Middle, Cookie Monster, Scooby Doo, two-time Grammy Winner Rita Coolidge, and more, have officially R.S.V.P’d and are ready for their Phantastic spotlight.
Where to watch?
Click here for an interactive map of where to camp out during the parade!
Parade Route (courtesy of Philadelphia and the Country Side)
1. Start point: 20th Street and JFK Boulevard. From there, the parade proceeds east on JFK Boulevard to 16th Street.
2. The Parade turns left onto 16th Street until reaching the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
4. The Parade bears right, going northwest on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for three blocks until reaching Logan Circle.
5. The Parade loops around the southern part of Logan Circle and then continues on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway until it reaches Eakins Oval.
6. The Parade proceeds along the south portion of Eakins Oval finishing in front of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Best Places to Watch (courtesy of Philadelphia and the Country Side)
1. One of the best places to watch is at the parade’s finish at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
2. The south side of Eakins Oval (in front of the Art Museum) is also recommended. Campbell’s Soup sponsors a tent there where there’s hot food, warm drinks and entertainment for kids.
3. Other locations along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, like Logan Circle, are also good bets.
4. You can also watch the parade begin at 20th and JFK Boulevard and then take a shortcut on foot heading north on 20th Street five blocks to the Parkway and catch the parade again as it goes by. If you need to warm up, head to the nearby Comcast Building and catch the Comcast Holiday Spectacular on the massive Comcast Experience Video Wall.
A Kind Deed
If you’re wondering how you can help out this year, you might be curious to know of 6abc and Dunkin’ Donuts’ Holiday Food Drive. If you have any spare cans at home, please bring them to the parade and donate them to the Boy Scouts and Campbell Soup Company volunteers whenever you see them around the parade.
For more info:
Visit the official parade website: www.6abc.com
