It’s that time of year again when Christmas is just around the corner and all the merriment of the holiday season begins! All around the U.S. cities kick off the holiday season in unique ways, one of our favorite ways is with a Thanksgiving parade. We’ve put together a list of the best Thanksgiving day parades in America and everything you need to know if you’re thinking about attending.
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade – Chicago, IL
The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade is definitely something to be seen and fun for all if you decide to attend. They kick-off the parade at State Street at 8 AM on Thursday (Thanksgiving day) morning. During the parade, you can expect to see fun floats, marching bands, dance performances and larger than life balloon favorites like Tom Cat from Tom & Jerry, Animal from the Muppets, and many more! Watch from the streets, grab a VIP ticket or volunteer to be in the parade as a balloon handler, banner carrier, etc.
If you’re looking for a hotel during all the Thanksgiving parade excitement, consider InTown Suites Extended Stay Chicago IL – Villa Park or InTown Suites Extended Stay Chicago IL – Elk Grove. Both of our properties are located just outside the city and are an easy drive or public transportation ride to the parade. What’s even better? Staying just a weekend at one of our suites will likely cost you less than a one-night stay in most downtown Chicago hotels.
H-E-B Holiday Parade – Houston, TX
This year is the 70th Annual H-E-B Holiday Parade in Houston, Texas! Many come to enjoy this extravagant parade and welcome Santa to Union Station in downtown Foley to mark the beginning of the holiday season. The H-E-B Holiday Parade is all about celebrating the Houston community, boasting local performances, 12 high-flying balloons, 13 unbelievable floats, and sprinkled throughout with celebrity appearances and performances. Starting at 9 AM Thursday morning, on Smith at Lamar, you’ll be able to watch and enjoy all the fun all the way to Smith and Dallas.
For affordable hotel stays, choose from InTown Suites Extended Stay Houston TX – 290 Hollister, InTown Suites Extended Stay – Hobby Airport, or InTown Suites Extended Stay Houston TX – Cypress Fairbanks – all just a short drive from downtown Houston.
Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade – Charlotte, NC
You’ll get “miles of smiles” at the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade in Charlotte, North Carolina. This Charlotte tradition is enjoyed by many all over the world and is the fourth largest parade in the country! 8 giant balloons, 17 gorgeous floats, and 13 marching bands will lead the way at this year’s festive parade. The parade begins at 9 AM, Thanksgiving morning at 9th Street and heads south to Stonewall Street. Parade-goers can enjoy performances at the Duke Energy building and food & beverages from a variety of vendors on Tryon Street.
Stay at InTown Suites Extended Stay Charlotte NC – Pressley Rd, InTown Suites Extended Stay Charlotte NC – Albemarle, or InTown Suites Extended Stay Charlotte NC – East Independence for an apartment-style hotel with a full kitchen, that is typically more affordable than a standard downtown Charlotte hotel!
Ameren Thanksgiving Day Parade – St. Louis, MO
Head to Missouri for one of the most festive parades in America, the Ameren Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year St. Louis celebrates its 35th annual Thanksgiving day parade starting at 8:45 AM, Thursday morning, from 20th Steet to Broadway in downtown St. Louis. Parade-goers will get to view over 130 decorate floats, large helium balloons, antique cars, fire trucks, marching bands, and more all from the St. Louis area!
For an affordable hotel room with tons of extra amenities like more space, in-room kitchen, premium TV channels, and more stay at InTown Suites Extended Stay St. Louis – Hazelwood, just a short ride from downtown St. Louis.