The holiday season in the United States is a time of joy, celebration, and community, and few things capture the festive spirit better than holiday parades. Across the country, cities and towns host parades that highlight the magic of the season with floats, performers, and seasonal cheer. Whether you’re looking to experience large-scale events or enjoy local charm, this guide will help you discover the best holiday parades in the USA, along with their dates and locations.
1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York, NY)
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is arguably the most famous holiday parade in the world. Held every Thanksgiving Day, this iconic event features massive character balloons, elaborate floats, celebrity performances, and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus to mark the beginning of the Christmas season.
Date: Thanksgiving Day (late November)
Location: New York City, NY
Why Visit: Known for its larger-than-life balloons and incredible performances, this parade is a must-see for anyone visiting New York during the holidays.
Website : Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
More Info: [Best Places to Visit in New York During the Holiday Season]
2. Hollywood Christmas Parade (Los Angeles, CA)
The Hollywood Christmas Parade brings glitz and glamour to the holiday season. Featuring floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and appearances by famous celebrities, this parade is a showcase of entertainment in the heart of Hollywood. The event ends with Santa Claus, making it a cherished tradition in Los Angeles.
Date: Last Sunday of November
Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
Why Visit: The perfect blend of Hollywood star power and holiday spirit makes this parade a one-of-a-kind experience.
Internal Link: [Explore the Magic of Hollywood: Top Attractions to Visit]
External Link: Hollywood Christmas Parade
3. Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Chicago, IL)
This dazzling event along Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile is both a parade and a light festival. Featuring floats illuminated with thousands of lights, marching bands, and musical performances, the festival also includes the lighting of over one million lights along Michigan Avenue. The event concludes with a fireworks display over the Chicago River.
Date: Mid to Late November
Location: Chicago, IL
Why Visit: The combination of lights, music, and festive floats in one of America’s most iconic cities makes this parade a must-see.
Internal Link: [Top Holiday Destinations in Chicago]
Website Link: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
4. New Orleans Christmas Parade (New Orleans, LA)
New Orleans adds its signature flair to the holiday season with a Mardi Gras-inspired Christmas parade. The city’s French Quarter comes alive with colorful floats, brass bands, and costumed revelers, bringing the city’s unique culture to the festive season.
Date: Early December
Location: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA
Why Visit: Experience the vibrant energy of New Orleans paired with holiday cheer, making this one of the most unique holiday parades in the USA.
Internal Link: [Discover the Best of New Orleans Culture and Festivals]
Website Link: New Orleans Tourism
5. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach, CA)
One of the most distinctive holiday parades in the USA, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade transforms the harbor into a festival of lights. Boats are lavishly decorated with twinkling lights, holiday displays, and even animatronics. Visitors can view the parade from the shore or hop on a boat for a closer look at the floating holiday wonderland.
Date: Mid-December
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Why Visit: This boat parade offers a serene yet spectacular take on holiday celebrations, where the sea becomes a canvas for Christmas magic.
Internal Link: [Top Coastal Holiday Getaways in California]
Website Link: Newport Beach Boat Parade Official
6. Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade (Philadelphia, PA)
As the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the country, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is steeped in tradition. It features marching bands, giant balloons, floats, and a wide range of performers. This parade is a beloved event for both locals and visitors, marking the official start of the holiday season in the City of Brotherly Love.
Date: Thanksgiving Day (late November)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Why Visit: Rich in history and tradition, this parade is perfect for those who love the combination of classic holiday charm and American heritage.
Internal Link: [Top Historical Attractions to See in Philadelphia]
Website Link: Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
7. Denver Parade of Lights (Denver, CO)
The Denver Parade of Lights is a two-night event that lights up downtown Denver with illuminated floats, marching bands, and costumed performers. With a stunning backdrop of snow-covered streets, this parade captures the essence of a winter wonderland. The grand finale is, of course, Santa’s sleigh making its way through the city.
Date: Early December
Location: Downtown Denver, CO
Why Visit: The snowy, festive atmosphere combined with dazzling lights makes Denver’s Parade of Lights a truly magical experience.
Internal Link: [Best Winter Getaways in the Rocky Mountains]
Website Link: Denver Parade of Lights
8. Atlanta Children’s Christmas Parade (Atlanta, GA)
The Atlanta Children’s Christmas Parade is one of the largest holiday parades in the Southeast, featuring floats, giant balloons, and marching bands. The event is family-focused and includes several pre-parade activities for children. It takes place in Midtown Atlanta and is a cherished local tradition that marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
Date: Early December
Location: Midtown Atlanta, GA
Why Visit: A family-friendly parade that offers entertainment for kids of all ages while bringing the holiday spirit to life in the heart of Atlanta.
From coast to coast, holiday parades across the USA offer unique ways to experience the magic of the season. Whether you’re watching illuminated boats glide through the harbor or marveling at massive balloons in the streets of New York, these parades are sure to bring joy and holiday cheer to everyone. Be sure to mark your calendar and catch these festive events in cities near and far.
