When
Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008 beginning at 8:30 a.m and ending at approximately 12 noon.
Where
Along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City.
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Best Places to Watch
1. One of the best places to watch is at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
2. Eakins Oval is also recommended. Campbell's Soup sponsors a tent there where there's hot food and warm drinks and children's entertainment.
3. And other locations along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, like Logan Circle, are also good bets.
Floats and Balloons
Past balloons you are likely to see include: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear, Santa Claus, Curious George, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Alvin Chipmunk and more.
Celebrity Appearances
Look out for special guests who have appeared at past parades like Kelly Ripa, Pat Sajak, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Eagles Cheerleaders, Santa Claus, and more.
About the Parade
Dating back to 1910, the nation's oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade once again comes to Philadelphia, announcing the arrival of the holiday season with beautiful floats, marching bands, musical guests, dance teams and ample amounts of cheer.
The parade starts at 20th and Market Street and then winds along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Grand Processsion
The procession continues to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, bringing 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. The parade has an enchanting atmosphere that is sure to delight you and the little ones. Warm up in the Campbell’s Winter Wonderland Expo Tent with some hot cocoa and look out for special giveaways.
Television
Channel 6 ABC and Boscov’s sponsor the event, which will be televised live on WPVI-TV, Channel 6 beginning at 8:30 a.m.