Looking at the Grosse Pointes, there’s no Thanksgiving Day parade happening right in your neighborhood this year. But don’t let that stop your turkey day fun. The Grosse Pointe cities have plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday, from watching spectacular parades nearby to catching awesome entertainment from your couch.
The good news? You’re just a short drive from one of the nation’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, and there’s a festive Santa parade coming right after the holiday. Plus, understanding what makes these parades tick might just make you appreciate them even more.
Watch Detroit’s Big Show
Just down Woodward Avenue, Detroit’s America’s Thanksgiving Parade rolls out Thursday, November 27, 2025, for its 99th year. This isn’t some small-town affair. We’re talking giant balloons, celebrity guests, marching bands, and eight brand new floats making their debut.
Mayor Mike Duggan and retired WDIV anchor Devin Scillian are leading as Grand Marshals, and the lineup includes Detroit Lions legend Dexter Bussey, Emmy winner Sam Richardson, and even a giant tribute to Tigers hero Kirk Gibson. The parade travels nearly three miles down Woodward Avenue, passing the Detroit Institute of Arts, Comerica Park, and the Fox Theatre.
Want to watch in person? Get there early and stake out a spot along the route. If you’d rather stay cozy at home, tune into WDIV Local 4 starting at 10 a.m. or stream it live at clickondetroit.com.
Your Living Room Has Front Row Seats
Can’t make it to Detroit? The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City streams live starting at 8:30 a.m. on NBC. You can also catch it on CBS, Peacock, or Paramount+ if that’s your style.
This year’s Macy’s parade features 34 floats, 22 massive balloons, 11 marching bands, and over 700 clowns keeping things lively. Make it a family tradition by setting up a cozy viewing station with hot cocoa, comfy blankets, and maybe some Thanksgiving morning snacks to tide everyone over until the big meal.
The Grosse Pointe Santa Parade Is Coming
While Thanksgiving Day stays parade-free in the Grosse Pointes, Friday, November 28, 2025, brings Santa to town at 10 a.m.. The Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade travels down Kercheval Avenue from Lewiston Road in Grosse Pointe Farms to Cadieux Road in Grosse Pointe Park.
This is your chance to kick off the holiday season with your neighbors, see Santa himself, and enjoy that festive small-town parade energy. Bundle up the kids, grab a good viewing spot along Kercheval, and soak in the community spirit.
Behind the Balloon Magic
Ever wonder how parade floats come together? Here’s the scoop: some floats take months to build and require teams of engineers, artists, and volunteers. Santa’s sleigh at Macy’s is the largest float at 60 feet long and 3.5 stories tall. The famous Tom Turkey float has been leading Macy’s parade longer than any other float.
Marching bands start practicing their routines weeks in advance, perfecting formations while playing instruments and keeping in step. Those giant balloons? They need 80 to 100 handlers each just to keep them steady in the wind. Want a sneak peek? The Detroit Parade Company offers studio tours year round where you can see floats up close before they hit Woodward Avenue.
Make It Your Own Tradition
Thanksgiving in the Grosse Pointes might not include a local parade on turkey day, but you’ve got options that bring just as much joy. Watch the pros in Detroit or New York, then mark your calendar for the Santa parade coming the next day. Create your own traditions, whether that means a parade viewing party, a family walk through the neighborhood, or just enjoying the holiday your way.
The holidays aren’t about checking boxes on what’s “supposed” to happen. They’re about making memories with the people you love, and the Grosse Pointes give you plenty of chances to do exactly that.
Sources: theparade.org, clickondetroit.com, grossepointechamber.com
Header Image Source: choosechicago.com
