When
Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009
The Parade begins at 8:30 a.m and ends at approximately 12 noon.
Where
Along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City.
VIEW ON MAP
Map of Parade Route
Click here to view a map of this year's new Parade route.
PARADE MAP ROUTE *NEW ROUTE FOR 2009*
Best Places to Watch
1. One of the best places to watch is at the parade's finish at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
2. The south side of Eakins Oval (in front of the Art Museum) is also recommended. Campbell's Soup sponsors a tent there where there's hot food, warm drinks and entertainment for kids.
3. Other locations along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, like Logan Circle, are also good bets.
4. You can also watch the parade begin at 20th and Market and then take a shortcut on foot heading north on 20th Street five blocks to the Parkway and catch the parade again as it goes by.
Closest Hotels
Another tip: stay downtown on Wednesday night so you'll wake up right next to the parade.
1. The Four Seasons Philadelphia
2. Embassy Suites Center City
3. Sheraton Philadelphia City Center
Also, you can book the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package and save $75+ over two nights since it comes with free parking.
Celebrity Appearances at the 2009 Parade
This year's special guests include Sam Champion from Good Morning America, Bobbie Eakes from All My Children, Mark Indelicato from Ugly Betty, Jason Derulo (whose song “Watcha Say” is currently #2 on the Billboard charts), Miss America 2008, American Idol finalist Kimberly Caldwell and Nuttin’ But Stringz from America’s Got Talent.
Floats and Balloons
Some of this year's balloons include: Mickey Mouse, characters from "Land of the Dinosaurs" and Frosty the Snowman.
Bring The Kids
The parade thrills with an entourage of popular characters from Sesame Street and Disney in floats and giant balloons. And Santa himself arrives in grand fashion, ushering Philadelphia into the holiday season.
This year’s parade promises to be nothing short of a visual and celebratory feast. So bundle up, grab the kids and head out for an early holiday treat.
You can warm up in the Campbell’s Winter Wonderland Expo Tent with some hot cocoa and look out for special guests and giveaways.
On Television
Channel 6abc and IKEA sponsor the event, which will be televised live on 6abc (WPVI-TV, Channel 6) beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Official Parade Website
www.6abc.com