Feathers, Floats, and Festivities: 6 Wonderful Thanksgiving Parades Other Than Macy's

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to express gratitude and break bread with family. Beyond the delicious feast, I look forward to spending time with my now adult children each year.

The holiday of thanks is chock full of traditions. Some look forward to watching football games, while others prefer the National Dog Show. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the holiday's most famous traditions. For many, the parade is synonymous with the holiday.

I recall watching it as a child, and we still tune in to the parade to this day before feasting on turkey and mouthwatering sides.

New York City's famous parade presents its 98th edition in 2024. However, it is not the only Thanksgiving Day parade in America. What other cities proudly boast a rich history of Thanksgiving Day parades?

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade hogs the spotlight, it is not the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade. That honor goes to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, launched in 1920. Initially backed by the Gimbel Brothers Department Store, the parade is now co-sponsored by ABC6 and Dunkin.

Renowned for its marching bands, Philadelphia's parade showcases musical brigades from high schools, universities, and specialty groups. Do not fret; the event features many festive floats and giant balloons. It is a feast for the eyes and ears.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Originally meant to cheer up residents during the Great Depression, it is now a holiday tradition for the iconic city nestled on Lake Michigan's shores.

The parade showcases gala floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, cultural performance groups, and equestrian units. It is the perfect way to celebrate Chicago's vibrancy and diversity. The event will air live on Pluto TV if you cannot attend.

Detroit, Michigan

Dubbed America's Thanksgiving Parade, Detroit's holiday processional is in its 98th year, equalling the tenure of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It features colorful floats, energetic marching bands, whimsical balloons, comical clowns, and celebrities.

Detroit's parade was first televised locally in 1948. Today, it is broadcast nationally to over 100 million viewers. To expand the parade's outreach and impact, the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation hosts various community fundraising events leading up to the main draw, including a pancake breakfast in early November.

Houston, Texas

Initially promoted by Foley's Department Store, the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1949. Now in its 75th year, the Houston parade is produced by the Mayor's Office of Special Events.

Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis is the grand marshal, and this year's parade will honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. The parade features colorful floats, soaring balloons, special musical performances, local and regional marching bands, dance companies, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It is the perfect showcase of a Texas-style Thanksgiving.

Notable Thanksgiving Parades Before Turkey Day

While not held on Thanksgiving Day, two other cities deliver phenomenal parades honoring the holiday. The list is only complete if we include them. So, when and where are these Thanksgiving parades?

Charlotte, North Carolina

A spectacle of sight and sound, Charlotte presents its holiday parade on Thanksgiving Eve. The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade showcases dance groups, marching bands, musical performances, festive floats, and colorful balloons.

Held in the evening, the bright lights and fun vibe bring the southern city to life, making it an excellent way to kickstart your holiday celebration. Last year's event attracted over 100,000 live spectators, and this year's parade, the 78th edition, is expected to draw as many or more people.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Imagine celebrating Thanksgiving in the town where the holiday originated! Plymouth hosts a three-day event called America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The signature parade, held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, stakes its claim as the only historically accurate chronological parade. It honors the holiday and takes a deep dive into American history. Past parades have recognized our military and space exploration history.

Unique floats, vintage cars, and bugle and drum corps are just the tip of the iceberg. The event includes waterfront activities, a historic village, food trucks, and a craft beer and wine garden. Plymouth is the place to go for a Thanksgiving celebration unlike any other, including a complete American history lesson from the 17th century through today.

Make Thanksgiving Memories

Whether you prefer to sprawl out on the couch and watch football or run a Turkey Trot, enjoy your Turkey Day. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is rich in history and an excellent tradition for many families. Perhaps it is time to break tradition by attending one of America's other holiday parades. It will be a Thanksgiving, your family will never forget.