You can’t miss the Thanksgiving Day Parades
The holidays are almost here and, like every year, a lot of festivities are coming up. If you’ve never seen a Thanksgiving parade in person, or haven’t in a long time, you won’t want to miss the ones that will kick off the holiday season in 2009. Parades have remained a fixture of the holiday season. for decades, attracting hordes of viewers on the street and engaging millions of viewers around the world. They just have it all: music bands singing festive tunes, countless balloons released into the sky, unique floats of different sizes adorned with different colors. These shows are sure to be a treat for the eyes and ears, whether you’re tuning in from home or cheering from the sidelines. If you’re looking to get in on the fun and celebration, check out some of this year’s Thanksgiving parades that you can’t miss:
New York: More than 3 million spectators are expected to line the streets of New York City for the 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as 50 million on television, this event of three hours is without a doubt the largest and most prestigious parade in the nation. Like every year, it is expected to feature helium-containing animal-shaped balloons, floats and music bands. The parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West and end at 7th Avenue and 34th Street, marking a 2.65-mile stretch. Scheduled to begin at 9 am, this year’s march will be the first in the parade’s 82-year history to bypass Broadway.
If you can’t make it to New York City for Thanksgiving, don’t despair. Other major cities across the country host popular Thanksgiving parades, including:
MiamiIf you’re looking to celebrate the holiday season in sunny South Florida, consider being in attendance at the Winternational Thanksgiving Day Parade, which marches along Northeast 125th Street between 6th and 12th Avenues each year. The annual celebration entertains spectators with nearly 100 colorful floats and marching bands. The event also includes a carnival, thrill rides, and live music. While other cities across the country are already beginning to experience sub-zero temperatures, Miami’s tropical weather will be warm fun this holiday season.
chicago: The Windy City can be a lot cooler than, say, Miami on Thanksgiving weekend, but don’t let that stop you from heading to State Street and witnessing the 76th Annual Thanksgiving Parade. McDonald’s, which runs from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street. While the turnout is expected to be nothing like the Macy’s Parade in New York City, approximately 425,000 street spectators will be in attendance to behold helium balloons, local and national celebrities and award-winning marching bands. Bring your sweater and enjoy the holiday excitement Chicago style.
San Diego: Locals and out-of-towners alike would agree that the annual Mother Goose Parade, scheduled for Sunday, November 22 this year, marks the start of the holiday season in San Diego. The largest parade in San Diego County, the event draws throngs of spectators to the streets of El Cajon. With everything from helium balloons and animated clowns to impressive floats that come in all shapes and sizes, the Mother Goose Parade brings people of all ages together for a fun-filled day of free family entertainment.
phoenix: If you’re traveling to the Valley of the Sun for Turkey Day weekend, don’t miss the Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Parade. Boasting the fourth tallest fountain in the world, the mountain town of Fountain Hills provides a wonderful backdrop for what is known as the only Thanksgiving Day Parade held in Arizona. Families will enjoy watching large floats and marching bands as they maneuver through the center of town.