When you picture a major Thanksgiving parade, what comes to mind?
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I’d wager most Americans imagine New York City’s famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s up there in terms of our most beloved holiday celebrations, alongside Fourth of July fireworks displays and Christmas festivals.
But that doesn’t mean it’s Macy’s or nothing on Thanksgiving day.
In fact, there are a handful of other major celebrations that take place across the country. Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Detroit are also high on the list for those who enjoy Thanksgiving fanfare.
But what about the US’s smaller cities?
After all, the US’s smaller cities and quaint towns are full of charm—a type of charm that comes alive during the holiday season. If heading to a parade in a big city is out of the question, then consider penciling in a trip to one of the cities listed below.
Best Thanksgiving parades in small cities
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- First launched in 1947
I love that this festivity is scheduled the day before Thanksgiving—meaning it won’t interrupt your holiday plans.
This fantastic parade includes over 100,000 attendees who hug the roadsides to watch massive floats pass by, along with marching bands and other displays. It’s estimated that another two million viewers instead watch from their sofas.
Stamford Downtown Parade
- Stamford, Connecticut
- First launched in 1994
Similar to North Carolina’s big parade, this Thanksgiving festivity isn’t held on the big day. Stamford’s Thanksgiving parade is scheduled for the Sunday before Thanksgiving, which lets people from around the tri-state area join in.
Usually, more than 100,000 guests show up. Along with the standard float fare, Stamford’s parade includes dancing groups, local celebrities, and plenty of live music. If you can’t make Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, this is a close second.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
- Orlando, Florida
- First launched in 2017
This unique and new Thanksgiving parade is part of Universal’s ongoing holiday celebrations. There’s no big day to see the event. Instead, Thanksgiving parades run daily like many other themed festivities.
If you’ll be enjoying Universal during the broader holiday season, be sure to take advantage of the parade. It’s got a high production value that you’d expect from Universal.
America’s Hometown Celebration
- Plymouth, Massachusetts
- Launched in 1996
Want plenty of historical flare in your Thanksgiving parade? Plymouth puts on a fantastic parade, usually the weekend before the big holiday.
But this display isn’t about larger-than-life floats and balloons shaped like animals. It’s a much more faithful and historical interpretation of the day, which includes exhibits like the Portal to the Past historical village and Thanksgiving Dining at the Plymoth Patuxet Museums.
Ameren Thanks for Giving Parade
St. Louis, Missouri
Launched in 1984
This grand parade runs on the actual holiday—so be prepared to bring your stuffing with you. The St. Louis Thanksgiving closely resembles the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Arrive early to claim good spots, then be prepared for an unending line of floats, marching bands, balloon displays, and special appearances from infamous characters, from Santa Claus to Frosty the Snow Man.
