Philadelphia is getting ready to roll out the red carpet for the 2025 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade, and this year, the festivities promise to bring a blend of traditional holiday cheer and star-studded entertainment. According to the City of Philadelphia, spectators can watch everything unfold live on 6abc, starting with the pre-show at 8:30 AM, followed by the parade's kickoff at 9 AM. Visitors to the parade will enjoy a mix of performances and activities, with special appearances by personalities such as Sam Champion, the Four Tops, and Jordan Sparks.
However, those planning on driving through Center City on parade day should prepare for extensive road closures. Starting as early as 6:30 PM yesterday and continuing through to the conclusion of the parade, various streets will be closed to vehicular traffic. Some of the affected areas include the Eakins Oval, JFK Boulevard, and portions of Market Street. According to Philadelphia’s official website, comprehensive lists of closures and parking restrictions can be found to help residents and visitors alike plan their routes.
Those who rely on public transportation during Thanksgiving Day will also need to adjust their travel plans. SEPTA buses will operate on a Sunday schedule, with several routes being detoured due to a parade activity. These detours will take effect at 2 AM and are expected to last until approximately 5 PM. SEPTA has advised travelers to use the TransitView app or follow their social media feeds for real-time updates. Accessing the SEPTA System Status page can provide additional information on the detours in effect during the parade.
Moving in rhythm with the Drumline, the parade will begin at 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, then snake its way through the heart of the city. Families can also find enjoyment in the Dunkin’ Zone at Eakins Oval, where they will be treated to music, giveaways, and food trucks galore. For those with vehicles normally parked along the parade route, they'll want to heed the "Temporary No Parking" signs that will be posted from 6 PM tomorrow. Vehicles that ignore these warnings will be relocated, as detailed in the city's announcement.
