Thanksgiving transforms American cities into festive celebration hubs with iconic parades, Thanksgiving Events 2025: Parades, Turkey Trots, and Festive Things To Do
Thanksgiving turns U.S. cities into celebration hubs with iconic parades, turkey trots, cultural festivals, and family activities that go far beyond dinner. Whether you want giant balloons drifting over Manhattan or small-town community gatherings, Thanksgiving events in 2025 offer something for everyone.
From the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to free concerts, outdoor festivals, and holiday markets launching that weekend, America’s fourth Thursday in November pulses with energy and gratitude. Use this guide to find day-of events and long-weekend celebrations across major cities, plan your break, and enjoy this classic American holiday beyond the dining table.
What Is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a national holiday on the fourth Thursday in November, focused on gratitude, family gatherings, and traditional meals. In 2025 it falls on Thursday, November 27. The date also marks the 99th year of several major parades, continuing customs that span centuries.
Quick History
The first widely cited Thanksgiving feast took place in 1621 when Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag shared a three-day harvest meal. President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanks in 1863. Later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the modern date in 1941. Today’s traditions include turkey dinners, football, parades, and charity turkey trots. Because the weekend runs Thursday through Sunday, it’s also one of the busiest U.S. travel periods.
Thanksgiving Day: National Highlights
Major Thanksgiving Parades 2025
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York City)
America’s most famous parade features giant character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and live performances. The 2.5-mile route runs from Central Park West to Herald Square.
Start time: 9:00 AM ET
Route: 77th St & Central Park West → 34th St & 7th Ave
Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
Arrive early—by 6–7 AM—for the best views along Central Park West or Columbus Circle. For lighter crowds, try later points near Herald Square.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade (Detroit)
Detroit’s 99th edition celebrates the city’s automotive heritage with floats, the Big Head Corps, bands, and Motown-inspired acts.
Start time: 9:00 AM ET
Route: Woodward Ave, downtown
Broadcast: Local stations and VeryLocal app
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
More than 100 units roll down State Street, drawing 400,000 spectators. Expect equestrian teams, dancers, and Teddy the Turkey leading the fun.
6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade (Philadelphia)
The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving parade (since 1920) showcases balloons and floats and finishes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Turkey Trots Nationwide
Thousands of 5Ks and 10Ks start the morning with fitness and fundraising. Notable races include the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot (30,000+ runners), Atlanta Half Marathon & 5K, Silicon Valley Turkey Trot (San Jose), and long-running events in Cincinnati. Most begin between 7–9 AM, leaving plenty of time for dinner later.
New York City
Beyond Macy’s parade, NYC stacks the week with festive options.
Balloon Inflation (Nov 26)
See the giant balloons inflate near the American Museum of Natural History (72nd–77th Sts along Central Park West), 12–6 PM. It’s free and kid-friendly.
Thanksgiving Football
Sports bars across Manhattan screen NFL games, many with special menus.
Ice-Skating Season
Rockefeller Center’s rink is typically open; the tree lighting follows the week after Thanksgiving.
Holiday Windows
Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s unveil elaborate displays during Thanksgiving week.
Free NYC ideas
Central Park foliage walks, Staten Island Ferry rides for Statue of Liberty views, Brooklyn Bridge strolls, and Times Square people-watching.
Los Angeles
Mild November weather pairs well with holiday fun.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Held the Sunday after Thanksgiving on Hollywood Blvd with celebrity marshals and marching bands.
Turkey Trots
Popular options include Pasadena, Newport Beach, and Long Beach.
Theme Parks
Disneyland and Universal Studios are open on Thanksgiving Day with seasonal decor and special dining. Expect crowds and surge pricing.
Museums & Views
Many attractions open with modified hours. Check Griffith Observatory and major museums before you go.
Free LA ideas
Beach walks in Santa Monica or Venice, hikes in Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon, and the always-free Getty Center (verify Thanksgiving hours).
Washington, D.C.
The capital blends national traditions with free culture.
National Turkey Pardoning
The President pardons a turkey at the White House in the days before Thanksgiving, a tradition formalized in 1989.
Concerts and Exhibits
D.C. doesn’t host a large parade, yet museums and venues offer special programming all week.
Smithsonian Museums
Admission is free year-round. Several remain open on Thanksgiving—confirm individual hours for the Air and Space Museum or Natural History.
National Cathedral
Special services celebrate gratitude and community.
Neighborhood Lights
Georgetown shops lean into the season; National Harbor launches ice skating and light displays Thanksgiving weekend.
Atlanta
Southern hospitality meets big-city festivities.
Atlanta Half Marathon & Thanksgiving Day 5K
Thousands run on Thursday morning.
Stone Mountain Christmas
Kicks off Thanksgiving weekend with millions of lights and nightly shows.
Dinner Cruises and Markets
Holiday cruises and seasonal markets begin across the metro area.
Seattle
The Emerald City balances outdoors and culture.
Turkey Trots
Seattle Turkey Trot 5K, Drumstick Dash, and Green Lake events draw big crowds.
Pike Place Market
Open with reduced hours—great for last-minute ingredients and flowers.
Attractions
The Space Needle, Aquarium, and MoPOP often operate with special schedules. Nearby trails like Discovery Park offer brisk morning hikes.
San Diego
Sunshine makes outdoor plans easy.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Begins Thanksgiving weekend and continues in December.
Turkey Trots
Surf-n-Santa, Carlsbad, and Mission Bay are local favorites.
Balboa Park & Beaches
Museums adjust hours; coastal walks in La Jolla, Coronado, and Pacific Beach are classic holiday choices.
Austin
Quirky, musical, and festive.
Austin Turkey Trot
A five-mile run supporting local charities.
Football & Live Music
Bars show the Cowboys game. Venues citywide keep shows rolling through the weekend.
Trail of Lights Prep
Zilker Park installations start appearing and officially open in early December.
Dallas
Big traditions, bigger turnout.
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
The nation’s largest trot fills downtown streets.
Cowboys Thanksgiving Game
AT&T Stadium hosts the traditional matchup, with watch parties all over DFW.
Parade & Downtown Fun
A community parade, holiday markets, and ice skating kick off the season.
Houston
A global city with diverse celebrations.
Houston Turkey Trot
Downtown race benefits local nonprofits.
H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Floats, balloons, and cultural performances headline the morning.
Space Center Houston
Open with special programs that highlight astronauts’ holiday experiences.
Portland
Community-minded and outdoorsy.
Turkey Trots
Multiple runs for all levels.
Community Dinners
Free Thanksgiving meals across the city support residents and visitors away from home.
Powell’s Books and Parks
Book lovers flock to Powell’s; Washington Park offers colorful late-fall walks.
Las Vegas
The show goes on—of course.
Strip Buffets
Hotels roll out lavish Thanksgiving spreads.
Entertainment
Most productions run through the holiday; Fremont Street adds free live music and LED canopy shows.
Outdoor Breaks
Red Rock Canyon hikes pair nicely with evening festivities.
Denver
Urban energy meets early ski season.
Denver Turkey Trot
Washington Park hosts the annual run.
Parade of Lights
Begins the Friday after Thanksgiving and ushers in the city’s holiday season.
Holiday Markets & Mountains
Christkindl Market opens; nearby resorts usually start spinning lifts by Thanksgiving.
Nashville
Music City adds a honky-tonk twist.
Nashville Turkey Trot
A festive morning run downtown.
Grand Ole Opry
Special Thanksgiving shows feature major country acts.
Broadway Bars
Live music continues on Thanksgiving Day and through the weekend. The night before Thanksgiving is one of the city’s biggest bar nights.
Thanksgiving Point (Utah)
Family-friendly events near Lehi.
Luminaria
A dazzling light experience opens Thanksgiving weekend and runs into January.
Museum of Natural Curiosity
Hands-on exhibits add special holiday programming.
Gardens
Ashton Gardens becomes a seasonal photo favorite.
Free Thanksgiving Ideas Anywhere
Community dinners hosted by churches and nonprofits
Streetside viewing at major parades (arrive early)
Cheering on turkey trots without registering
Hikes in national and state parks (many remain open)
Smithsonian museums in D.C. and select museum free days elsewhere
Store Your Bags with Radical Storage
City-hopping for parades or arriving before hotel check-in? Radical Storage offers convenient, insured luggage storage across major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and more. Drop bags for $7.90 per day with coverage up to $4,500 and enjoy parades, races, and festivals hands-free.
Find Radical Storage locations throughout the USA and maximize your Thanksgiving celebration experience.
Planning Your Thanksgiving
Book Accommodations Early: Thanksgiving ranks among America’s busiest travel weekends. Reserve hotels months in advance, especially in parade cities.
Arrive Early for Parades: Prime parade viewing spots fill hours before start times. Plan to arrive 2-3 hours early with camping chairs, warm clothing, and snacks.
Check Specific Hours: Many attractions operate reduced hours Thanksgiving Day. Verify timing before visiting.
Layer Clothing: November weather varies dramatically by region. New York averages 45°F, while Los Angeles reaches 70°F. Dress in layers for comfort.
Use Public Transportation: Major cities experience heavy Thanksgiving traffic. Metros, buses, and rideshares simplify navigation to events.
For current event information and updates, visit Time Out’s Thanksgiving events guide for comprehensive listings.
Thanksgiving Events 2025: Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving events across America transform the holiday from private dining room celebration into communal public festivity showcasing regional traditions, cultural diversity, and shared gratitude. Whether watching giant balloons float through Manhattan, running a turkey trot in Dallas, or enjoying California sunshine on San Diego beaches, Thanksgiving Day events and Thanksgiving weekend events offer memorable experiences beyond traditional family gatherings.
The beauty of American Thanksgiving lies in its flexibility, deeply traditional yet constantly evolving, private yet increasingly public, solemn yet joyfully celebratory. From iconic Macy’s parade to intimate community dinners, Thanksgiving events 2025 welcome everyone to participate in America’s gratitude holiday however they choose.