Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day parades have become an American annual family tradition for 125 years or more, where thousands enjoy the community holiday spirit. Parades include tree lightings, Christmas caroling, floats, large balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders, singers, dancers, celebrities, and of course Santa Claus,, Chjristmas Carol, elves and reindeer. Many parades are aired on national TV networks.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York City
November 26, 2026
The Macy’s parade in Manhattan is nationally televised and was formed in 1921.
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Detroit, MI
November 26, 2026
The annual downtown Detroit parade is on Thanksgiving Day. It was originally sponsored by the J.L. Hudson department store in 1924.
Stamford Downtown Parade
Stamford, CT
November 22, 2025
An annual holiday tradition since 1992 in downtown Stamford.
Scranton Santa Parade
Scranton, PA
November 21, 2026
An annual downtown holiday event since 1993.
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
Charlotte, NC
November 25, 2026
The Charlotte parade was formed in 1947 and has been sponsored by Novant Health since 2012.
Disneyland Fantasy Parade
Anaheim, CA
A multiple entertainment spectacle held Mid-November to the weekend after New Year’s Day.
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
Chicago, IL
November 26, 2026
The annual downtown parade was formed in 1934 and has had different sponsors, such as McDonald’s, Marshall Fields, and Target.
Dunkin Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade
Philadelphia, PA
November 26, 2026
One of the oldest parades in America.
Denver Parade of Lights
Denver, CO
December 5, 2026
Annual family tradition.
Portland Harbor Christmas Parade
Portland, OR
December 14, 2026
Annual parade.
H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Houston, TX
November 26, 2026
The annual parade in downtown Houston.
Ameren Thanks for Giving Parade
St. Louis, MO
November 21, 2026
Annual parade.
Boston Thanksgiving Day Parade
Boston, MA
November 26, 2026
Formed in the early 20th Century.
New Orleans Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade
New Orleans, LA
Early December, 2026
Annual holiday parade.
Duluth Holiday Parade
Duluth, MN
November 20, 2026.
An annual event since the 1950s.
Reston Holiday Parade
Reston, VA, part of Metro Washington DC
November 27, 2026
Since 1992 this Metro Washington DC parade with tree lighting launches the holiday season.
Quincy Christmas Parade
Quincy, MA
November 29, 2026
The Boston area annual parade and tree lighting.
Tulsa Christmas Parade
Tulsa, OK
December 12, 2026
Annual parade.
San Diego Parade of Lights
December 13 and December 20
A boat parade held on two weekends since 1970.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Los Angeles, CA
November 30, 2026
The annual celebrity packed parade has kicked off the holiday season since 1928.
Dallas Children’s Holiday Parade
Dallas, TX
December 5, 2026
The Verizon sponsored downtown parade was formed in 1988.
Mayor’s Christmas Parade
Baltimore, MD
December 14, 2026
A 50 year tradition in downtown Baltimore.
Newport Beach Boat Parade
December 13 to 20, 2026
An annual Christmas boat and yacht parade since 1908.
Orlando-Winter Park Christmas Parade
December 5, 2026
An annual event since 1952.
Kai Marina Christmas Boat Parade
Honolulu, HI
December 19, 2025
A parade of decorated and lighted boats in Kai Marina.
Disney Christmas Day Parade
ABC TV
December 25, 2026
An annual, nationally televised parade formed in 1983.
Mummers Day Parade
Philadelphia, PA
New Year’s Day, January 1, 2027
The parade is one of the oldest American parades formed in 1901. It is known for its elaborate costumes and string bands.
