What City Has the Oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Thanksgiving tradition never misses spreading the warmth of holidays on streets across the US.

Philadelphia holds the record of organizing the oldest Thanksgiving Parade. It is called Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now it is known as the 6ABC – Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was inaugurated in 1920. The city of Philadelphia boasted its annual Thanksgiving Parade of the 98th year, making it the oldest event in American history. 

First Thanksgiving Day Parade

The parade was organized by Gimbel Brothers Department Store. It was created for children and residents of Philadelphia. After Gimble’s shut down in 1986, WPVI-TV/6abcinitaited to continue the holiday tradition which represents the official arrival of Santa Claus in the “City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.” With the help of corporate sponsors, 6abc has been organizing the parade. Now, it attracts a lineup of celebrities, floats, performance groups, balloons, and marching bands.

Organizers always try to make the parade more band-friendly. They also encourage welcome applications from universities and schools. The parade has 19 locations for marching bands every year. It approves bands of 90 members or more. Bands are permitted on a rolling basis throughout the year. It becomes common that bands should return every 2-4 years.

Bands travel to Philadelphia for the Thanksgiving Day event. They can use this trip to touring historical sites, including the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall. Several bands also combine with nearby cities-New York City or Washington, DC. The 1.4-mile parade route includes the intersection of 20th Street, moves towards JFK Boulevard, then turns left onto 16th Street and takes a left, onto Ben Franklin Parkway. The complete parade route is open to the public, except for a telecast area where VIPs and sponsors are allowed.

Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade

You should visit Philadelphia for the holiday if you don’t want to miss the Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since 1920, the city has been welcoming the holiday season with marching bands, floats, interesting performances, and choirs. It starts at 8.30 AM from 20th Street and concludes around 12 PM in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum is considered one of the best places to watch the parade.

The 100th Annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade remains one of the best holiday traditions. It is also known as the longest-running Thanksgiving Day Parade in America.

Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Parade 2021

Can you believe it? Less than 50 days are left to celebrate Thanksgiving. This Year, Philadelphia will feature the appearance of Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade event will have 23 marching bands across the nation, 15 balloons, 30 performances, 16 floats, and other fans’ favorite music, stage, and screen.

People can watch from the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Logan Circle, Eakins Oval, and the parade route on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.