Road closures and route for the 2024 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Philadelphia is preparing for its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest in American history – the first parade was held in 1920.

The parade is free and open to the public and features special performances that create a family-friendly atmosphere for the holiday.

This year’s special guests include actress Lisa Ann Walter and TV personality Carson Kressley.

Here’s what you should know about the 2024 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.

When does the 2024 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

The three-hour parade begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m. If you can’t make it into town, the ABC broadcast starts at 8:30am

What is the route of the 2024 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The Thanksgiving Day Parade begins in Center City and heads to the Ben Franklin Parkway and Art Museum in Fairmount.

The parade begins at 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Then head east on JFK to 16th Street. From 16th Street go north to the Parkway, then west on the inside lanes of the Parkway to Eakins Oval.

Once at Eakins Oval, the parade circles Kelly Drive and then spreads along Kelly Drive and Spring Garden Extension.

Street closures for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Motorists should expect road closures on Wednesday during parade rehearsals and setup. Between Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Eakins Oval will be closed for rehearsals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The inside lanes of the Parkway will be closed at 4 p.m.

Here is the full breakdown of street closures for the parade.

Wednesday, November 27th

4:00 p.m. – The inside lanes of Ben Franklin Parkway, from 21st to 20th streets, will be closed until the end of the parade.

6:30 p.m. – Eakins Oval closes for rehearsals and site setup and will remain closed until the end of the parade.

7:00 p.m. – JFK Blvd. entry lanes from 20th to 30th streets will be closed until the end of the parade.

8:00 p.m. – JFK Blvd. exit lanes from 20th to 30th streets will be closed until the end of the parade.

Thursday, November 28th

Midnight: JFK Boulevard from 30th to 16th Streets will remain closed until the end of the parade.

2 a.m. – 20th Street, from the Parkway to Race Street, will remain closed until the end of the parade

5 a.m. – 20th Street, from JFK Boulevard to Arch Street, will remain closed until the end of the parade.

6 a.m. – 20th Street, from Market Street to the Parkway, will remain closed until the end of the parade.

6 a.m. – Market Street, from 19th to 22nd Streets, will remain closed until the end of the parade.

7 a.m. – Kelly Drive, from Sedgley Drive to Eakins Oval, will remain closed until the end of the parade.

7:30 a.m. – Parade route closed to traffic

The city says motorists should expect roads to reopen after maintenance and clearance. City officials hope to have the streets reopened at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Officials say traffic disruptions are expected.

Parking restrictions for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

The parking bans went into effect at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. The city says cars parked in the following locations will be relocated.

• JFK Blvd. from 19th to 30th streets
• 20th Street from Market Street to Ben Franklin Parkway
• Arch Street from 19th and 22nd Streets
• Race Street from 16th and 17th Streets
• 17th Street from Vine to Race Street
• Vine Street from 15th to 17th Streets
• Market Street from 19th to 22nd Streets
• Paschall Avenue from 62nd to 63rd Streets

What is SEPTA’s Thanksgiving Day schedule?

If you want to get around the city on public transportation this Thanksgiving, SEPTA operates on Sundays. You can find timetables online.

Due to the parade and parade preparations, there will be some bus route diversions. Commuters should know this.

Wednesday, November 27th

Routes 7, 17, 31, 33, 38, 43, 44, 48, 49, 124 and 125 and Market Frankford Owl will be rerouted from approximately 3 p.m. Wednesday to approximately 2 a.m. Thursday.

Thursday, November 28th

Routes 2, 7, 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 43, 44, 48, 49, 124 and 125 and the Market Frankford Owl will be detoured from 6 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m

Detour information and route changes will be posted on SEPTA’s system status page.

What can I bring to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade?

According to the city, here’s what you shouldn’t bring with you if you go to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.

• Weapons – regardless of permits
• Fireworks
• alcohol
• illegal drugs
• Gas grills
• Drones