Abbott Elementary, the Jeopardy guy, and more: Everything you need to know about Philly’s 2022 Thanksgiving Parade
Expect balloons, floats, marching bands, Mummers, and celebrities.
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Larger-than-life cartoon balloon characters, lots of floats, marching bands, Mummers, and celebrities like the Emmy-winning stars of Abbott Elementary will be welcoming back the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade to Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Nov. 24.
The oldest parade of its kind in the nation, this year’s 103rd turkey day extravaganza promises lots to feast your eyes on, including appearances by local and national entertainers, live and prerecorded performances, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Abbott Elementary stars Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph will return for their second year in a row.
“We’re thrilled to have them back,” said 6abc’s parade executive producer John Morris.
After the float ride up the Parkway, Brunson will join 6abc’s meteorologist Cecily Tynan and anchor Rick Williams in the broadcast booth. Ralph, whose powerful voice was a showstopper at the Emmys, will perform a holiday song outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
In addition to looking for the 30 floats and massive character balloons, here is what to know to get the most out of the big event.
Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade: When, where, and what time it starts
The parade is from 8:30 a.m. to noon It starts at 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard and heads down JFK to 16th Street. The parade then turns onto 16th Street and heads to the Ben Franklin Parkway, where it turns and makes it way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Favorite spots to watch are along the Parkway and include Eakins Oval near the Art Museum, the Franklin Institute, and Logan Circle.
Entertainers will perform live by the Art Museum. Grandstand seating is ticketed and not open to the public. It’s intended for parade participants, their families, and event sponsors, said Morris.
How to stream and watch the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade
Viewers can watch by downloading the 6abc app for Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, or Amazon Fire. They can also stream the parade on 6abc.com or download the 6abcNews mobile app to view by phone.
What will you see at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade?
Who can imagine a parade without a marching band? This year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is going to have about a dozen of them from around the country. In addition, there will be scores of local performance troupes and dance companies, youth choirs, and other specialized groups strutting their stuff.
Some of the beloved mascots from Philadelphia’s professional sports teams will be there to help keep spirits high.
And because this is Philly, a Mummers Fancy Brigade will strut its stuff along the parade route and then do a full routine by the Art Museum.
The Philadelphia Ballet will perform a live piece from The Nutcracker. A prerecorded selection from the holiday classic by the Philadelphia Orchestra will also air.
What celebrities will attend the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade?
There are too many to list them all, but here are some of the highlights.
Mount Airy’s Jeopardy! whiz Ryan Long and his 9-year-old son Nathan will be on a float to thank Philadelphians for all their support during Long’s amazing Jeopardy! run.
Designer and former Queer Eye host Carson Kressley will be on hand as well.
Musicians spanning various genres will perform live including the Spinners, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, R&B and disco diva Thelma Houston, and singer-songwriters MARi and Leah Marlene.
So dig out your scarf and gloves. Get a thermos of your favorite hot beverage ready. Then sign up a few of your favorite kids or young-at-heart friends and relatives, and get ready to make Thanksgiving memories.