Perform in a Thanksgiving day Parade!

Perform in a Thanksgiving Day Parade! Every Band Director has a bucket list, and a Thanksgiving Day parade should be one of them. If Macy’s isn’t on your radar, (or didn’t accept you) have no fear. GTN can help to guide you in the direction of an incredible Thanksgiving day experience that will stand the test of time. Crowds are lower, the timing is terrific and fall travel is relatively quiet. Aside from NYC, did you know there are several other TELEVISED Thanksgiving Day parades around the country? From night parades to unique destination, here are a few of our favorites for Thanksgiving.

A giant inflatable turkey balloon, dressed as a pilgrim in a black hat and red vest, floats majestically down the city street during the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Buildings, trees, and streetlights provide a bustling backdrop to this festive celebration.
A logo for the 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade featuring a striped red and yellow background with a blue ribbon and a coffee cup icon.
Dunkin Donuts Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

“The Oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the Country”
Philadelphia, PA: November 23, 2023
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
1.4 miles long
Applications due: Soon!

A colorful handprint turkey wearing glasses is above the text "Chicago Thanksgiving Parade" followed by the slogan "Where Grateful Hearts Gather.
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade

“Where Grateful Hearts Gather”
Chicago, IL: November 23, 2023
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Less than 1 mile
Deadline for application is May 31st

Logo for "America's Thanksgiving Parade" in Detroit. Features a colorful clown face and states it is presented by Art Van. The design includes bold blue, yellow, and red colors.
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Detroit, MI: November 23, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
3 mile long parade
Contact GTN to inquire

A red star-shaped graphic with white text that reads "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" is centered on a light blue background. Small red and white decorative elements surround the star.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 23, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2.5 miles long
Applications are closed for 2023

Logo for the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade. The design features colorful autumn leaves around the text, with a ribbon below stating "Houston on Parade" and the City of Houston emblem.
HEB Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade

Houston, TX: November 23, 2023
9 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
20 Blocks in the length
Application deadline is coming up.
Contact GTN to inquire.

Logo for the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Charlotte, featuring a cartoon turkey wearing a crown and royal attire. The logo includes the text "Thanksgiving Day Parade" and "Novant Health Charlotte.
Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade

“Twilight up the Charlotte area”
Charlotte, NC: November 22, 2023
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
1 mile of marching
Applications to apply due August 31, 2023

Don’t want to travel over Thanksgiving?

Check out these other terrific Holiday Parades

Gatlinburg Festival of Lights Parade

Gatlinburg, TN: December 1, 2023
7:30 p.m. Start
Length: 1.5 miles

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Chicago, IL: November 18, 2023
5:30 p.m. Start
Length: 1.2 miles

Dallas Holiday Parade

Dallas, TX: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Apply by Oct 31
Things to note: Wear RED!
Starts at 10 a.m.
Length: About a half mile