Philadelphia is officially kicking off the holiday season with one of its most beloved traditions: the 2025 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the nation. Returning on Thursday, November 27, this iconic event transforms Center City and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into a festive celebration filled with marching bands, giant balloons, celebrity appearances, and thousands of families lining the streets.
Whether you’re heading out early for a front-row spot or tuning in from home, here’s your complete, easy-to-read guide to everything happening on Thanksgiving morning.
Read on for road closures, SEPTA detours, parade times, and what to expect along the route.
When is the 2025 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The parade takes place Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 8:30 a.m. — Live pre-show on 6ABC
- 9:00 a.m. — Parade broadcast begins
- In-person viewing: Free and open to the public
This year’s celebrity lineup includes Sam Champion, Jordin Sparks, David Archuleta, Four Tops, Gabby Samone, Cameo, Asher Havon, Quad City DJ’s, Carson Kressley, and more.
Guests can expect performances from high school marching band, youth choirs, dance groups, and special entertainment throughout the morning.
Where is the parade route?
The 2025 parade march follows a classic Center City-to-Parkway route:
- Starts: 20th St & JFK Blvd
- → East on JFK Blvd to 16th St
- → North on 16th St to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- → West on Parkway (inner lanes) to Eakins Oval
- → Around Eakins Oval to Kelly Drive
- Ends: Kelly Drive & Spring Garden Extension
A fan-favorite stop is the Dunkin’ Zone at Eakins Oval, featuring giveaways, music, food trucks, and family activities.
What roads are closed for the parade?
Below is an easy breakdown of major closures. Roads will reopen once cleaned by 3 p.m. Thursday.
Major road closures before Thanksgiving
Monday, Nov. 24- Wednesday, Nov. 2
- Eakins Oval (multiple days for rehearsals)
- Inner lanes of Ben Franklin Parkway
- JFK Blvd (19th–30th St)
- Market St (19th–22nd St)
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27
- 12 a.m.–3 p.m.: JFK Blvd (30th–16th St)
- 2 a.m.: 20th St (Parkway to Race)
- 2–6 a.m.: Market St closures expand between 19th–22nd St
- 7 a.m.: Kelly Drive closes
- 7:30 a.m.: Entire parade route closed to vehicles
Temporary No Parking signs go up Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Cars parked in restricted zones will be towed.
How is SEPTA affected?
SEPTA runs a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving.
Bus detours (2 a.m.-5 p.m.):
Routes 2, 7, 17, 27, 31, 33, 38, 43, 44, 48, 49, 124, 125, L1 OWL will be detoured.
What items are prohibited along the parade route?
To keep spectators safe, event staff will not allow these items:
- Weapons (including permitted firearms)
- Fireworks, fuel, or explosives
- Alcohol
- Illegal substances
- Gas grills
- Drones / small unmanned aircraft
How can I get weather updates and alerts?
Sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia alerts by texting READYPHILA to 888-777