Philadelphia, November 25, 2025
As the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade approaches, residents and visitors are reminded of important details, including road closures, parking restrictions, and public transport updates. Scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, the festivities will feature exciting performances and require careful planning for attendees to navigate the city safely. With SEPTA running on a Sunday schedule, it’s crucial to stay informed about potential service changes and travel restrictions to enjoy the parade fully.
Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade: Road Closures, SEPTA Service, and More
Get Ready for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
Philadelphia is gearing up for a beloved holiday tradition as the 2025 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to unfold on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Starting promptly at 8:30 a.m., this festive event promises engaging performances featuring celebrities like Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and musical legends such as Cameo and the Four Tops. As the city comes together for this joyful occasion, it highlights the power of community engagement and personal initiative in bringing people together without excessive bureaucracy.
Parade attendees can expect a delightful experience as the procession begins at 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, traveling through the heart of Philadelphia before concluding at Eakins Oval. Such well-coordinated events display how civic innovation can enhance community spirit and improve participation in local festivities.
Important Details for Attendees
Road Closures
To ensure the smooth operation of the parade, various road closures will be enacted starting Wednesday, November 26, 2025, and continuing through Thursday, November 27, 2025. Residents and visitors should take note of the following:
- Wednesday, November 26, 2025:
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Eakins Oval closed between Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive for rehearsals.
- 4 p.m.: Inner lanes of Benjamin Franklin Parkway closed from 21st Street to 20th Street for site preparation.
- 6:30 p.m.: Eakins Oval closed for rehearsals until the parade concludes.
- 7 p.m.: Inbound lanes of JFK Boulevard closed from 20th to 30th Street.
- 8 p.m.: Outbound lanes of JFK Boulevard closed from 20th to 30th Street Station.
- Thursday, November 27, 2025:
- 12 a.m.: JFK Boulevard closed from 30th to 16th Street.
- 2 a.m.: 20th Street closed from Ben Franklin Parkway to Race Street.
- 5 a.m.: 20th Street closed from JFK Boulevard to Arch Street.
- 7 a.m.: Kelly Drive closed from Sedgley Drive to Eakins Oval.
- 7:30 a.m.: Parade route completely closed.
All closures will be lifted no later than 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 27. Drivers are encouraged to plan for alternate routes and allow extra time for their travel.
Parking Restrictions
To accommodate the anticipated crowds, temporary “No Parking” signs will be displayed starting Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 6 p.m. in designated areas:
- JFK Boulevard from 19th to 30th Street (both sides)
- 20th Street from Market Street to Ben Franklin Parkway (both sides)
- Arch Street from 19th to 22nd Street (both sides)
- Race Street from 16th to 17th Street (both sides)
- Market Street from 19th to 22nd Street (both sides)
Vehicles in violation of the restrictions may be relocated. If your vehicle is missing, contact the local police department in the area it was parked.
Public Transportation Alternatives
In support of the parade, SEPTA will implement a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day. Riders are encouraged to consult the SEPTA System Status page for updates regarding bus detours and schedule changes, with specific bus routes affected from 2 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m.
- Routes including 2, 7, 17, and many others will be detoured.
- Check updates via the SEPTA app for real-time information.
Safety Regulations
For the safety of all participants and attendees, certain items will be prohibited along the parade route:
- Weapons of any kind
- Fireworks and flammable materials
- Alcohol and illegal substances
- Gas grills and drones
Stay Informed
As we approach the parade day, residents and visitors can benefit from being well-informed. Sign up for the City’s mass notification system to receive crucial updates regarding weather and safety information by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or visiting the City’s official website.
FAQs
- When and where does the 2025 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade take place?
- The parade is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, starting at 8:30 a.m. at 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Philadelphia. It will conclude by noon.
- What are the road closures associated with the parade?
- Several road closures will be implemented starting Wednesday, November 26, 2025, and continuing through Thursday, November 27, 2025. Specific closures include sections of JFK Boulevard, 20th Street, Market Street, and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. All event-related road closures will be lifted no later than 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 27.
- How will SEPTA services be affected during the parade?
- SEPTA will operate on a Sunday schedule throughout Thanksgiving Day. Bus detour information and updates or changes to service will be published on SEPTA’s System Status page. Customers can also use TransitView on the SEPTA app. Riders should check System Status regularly or follow @SEPTA and @SEPTA_BUS on X for updates. Detour times are subject to change.
- What items are prohibited along the parade route?
- For the safety of spectators, participants, and staff, the following items are prohibited along the parade route: weapons and contraband of any kind (regardless of permitting), including firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc.; fireworks; alcohol; illegal drugs or illicit substances of any kind; gas grills; and small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS/Drones).
Key Features of the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 27, 2025 |
| Time | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Location | 20th Street and JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia |
| Road Closures | Starting on November 26 until 3 p.m. on November 27 |
| SEPTA Schedule | Operating on a Sunday schedule |
| Prohibited Items | Weapons, fireworks, alcohol, and illegal substances |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
