Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s parades have become an annual family tradition, where thousands enjoy the community holiday spirit. Parades include tree lightings, floats, large balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders, singers, dancers, celebrities, and of course Santa Claus. Many parades are aired on national TV networks.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York City
November 27, 2025
The Macy’s parade in Manhattan is nationally televised and was formed in 1921.
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Detroit, MI
November 27, 2025
The annual Detroit parade is on Thanksgiving Day in Downtown. It was originally sponsored by the J.L. Hudson department store in 1924.
Stamford Downtown Parade
Stamford, CT
November 23, 2025
An annual holiday tradition since 1992 in downtown Stamford.
Santa Parade
Scranton, PA
November, 2025
An annual downtown holiday event since 1993.
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
Charlotte, NC
November 26, 2025
The Charlotte parade was formed in 1947 and has been sponsored by Novant Health since 2012.
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
Chicago, IL
November 27, 2025
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 27, 2025
One of the oldest parades in America.
Denver Parade of Lights
Denver, CO
December 6, 2025
Annual family tradition.
Portland Harbor Christmas Parade
Portland, OR
December 13, 2025
Annual parade.
H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Houston, TX
November 27, 2025
The annual parade in downtown Houston.
Ameren Thanks for Giving Parade
St. Louis, MO
November 22, 2025
Annual parade.
Boston Thanksgiving Day Parade
Boston, MA
November 27, 2025
Formed in the early 20th Century.
New Orleans Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade
New Orleans, LA
December 6, 2025
Annual holiday parade.
Reston Holiday Parade
Reston, VA, part of Metro Washington DC
November 28, 2025
Since 1992 this Metro Washington DC parade with tree lighting launches the holiday season.
Santa Christmas Parade
Quincy, MA
November 29, 2025
The Boston area annual parade and tree lighting.
Tulsa Christmas Parade
Tulsa, OK
December 13, 2025
Annual parade
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Los Angeles, CA
November 30, 2025
The annual celebrity-packed parade has kicked off the holiday season since 1928.
Dallas Children’s Holiday Parade
Dallas, TX
December 6, 2025
The Verizon sponsored downtown parade was formed in 1988.
Mayor’s Christmas Parade
Baltimore, MD
December 14, 2025
A 50 year tradition in downtown Baltimore.
Kai Marina Christmas Boat Parade
Honolulu, HI
December 13, 2025
A parade of decorated and lighted boats in Kai Marina.
Disney Christmas Day Parade
ABC TV
December 25, 2025
An annual nationally televised parade formed in 1983.
Mummers Day Parade
Philadelphia, PA
New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026
The parade is one of the oldest American parades formed in 1901. It is known for its elaborate costumes and string bands.
