America’s longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade started in 1920, and a department store was the one that got it rolling.
I love that a shopping trip basically launched a holiday tradition that’s now more than a century old.
That parade is only one piece of the puzzle.
Pennsylvania also offers a farm glowing with more than four million lights and a theme park with roller coasters running on Thanksgiving night.
Then there’s the food.
One buffet asks tables to wrap up in an hour and 45 minutes, which tells you how much eating happens there.
Another spot serves Thanksgiving breakfast before the turkey even hits the table.
I can’t imagine a better way to stretch one holiday into a whole season of fun.
So which would you choose first, the lights, the rides, or the pie?
6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade
Long before turkey gets carved, Philadelphia throws a party right down the middle of the city. The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade holds the title of America’s longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade.
Its story starts in 1920 with the Gimbel Brothers Department Store. That’s right, a store kicked off a tradition that has now lasted over a century.
In 1986, WPVI-TV, better known as 6abc, took over production. The 2026 parade marks its 107th year, which is a pretty impressive birthday.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 26, 2026. The fun runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon, so you can still make it home for dinner.
The route kicks off at 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
It wraps up at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a fitting grand finale spot.
Expect extravagant floats, charming balloons, and plenty of musical performances. The biggest star shows up last, though, because Santa Claus arrives to officially open the holiday season.
Not a fan of chilly sidewalks? You can watch the whole show live on 6abc or stream it online from your couch.
A 30-minute pre-show also airs before the main event. Familiar faces from 6abc host it, so the excitement builds even before the first balloon floats by.
Here’s a simple tip for parade day. Dress in layers, grab a warm drink, and arrive early for a good view.
Honestly, starting Thanksgiving with Santa and giant balloons feels like the right order of things. Pie can wait a few hours.
Address: 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
Animals go to bed early, but the Philadelphia Zoo stays up late for the holidays. LumiNature turns the zoo grounds into an interactive light experience after dark.
The 2026 season runs from November 19 through January 9, 2027. It opens on select nights from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Plan ahead around a few dates. The event closes on December 24, December 25, and January 1, while New Year’s Eve gets special hours.
One highlight sits way up high. The 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel gives you a bird’s-eye view of the glowing grounds below.
Yes, it’s spelled with a Ph, and yes, that’s very Philly. You have to admire a zoo that commits to a pun that hard.
Seasonal performances add even more holiday spirit to the evening. So you’re not just looking at lights, you’re getting a show too.
The interactive part makes this one fun for curious kids. Instead of just staring at displays, you get to be part of the experience.
Here’s the big practical note. Advance online reservations are required, so don’t just show up hoping to walk in.
Thanksgiving week is a smart time to go since the season opens just before the holiday. Bringing visiting relatives makes for an easy post-turkey outing.
Bundle up, book your time slot, and save some energy for the Ferris wheel. Your aunt who swears she hates heights might surprise you.
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Holidays in Franklin Square
Mini golf in late November sounds silly until you see the Chilly Philly version. Holidays in Franklin Square turns one of Philadelphia’s historic squares into a sparkling winter playground.
The 2026 season runs from November 19 to January 3, 2027. Hours are 5 PM to 9 PM nightly.
Watch for a few closures, though. The square closes on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1, and it shuts at 8 PM on December 24 and 31.
The star attraction is the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO. It’s the kind of display that makes you forget how cold your fingers are.
Feeling competitive? Chilly Philly Mini Golf and street curling give your family a chance to settle who’s really the champion.
Street curling is a fun twist for anyone who’s watched the Olympics and thought, I could do that. Now’s your chance to find out.
Opening night on November 19 offers extra perks. Free choir performances fill the air, and hot chocolate and cider are complimentary.
Entry to the square itself is free, which is great news for your wallet. Mini golf, street curling, and carousel rides need separate tickets.
Seasonal treats round out the visit. Grab one, find a good viewing spot, and enjoy the light show.
Since it’s closed on the holiday itself, try visiting the day after. It’s a fun way to walk off some leftover stuffing.
Address: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Germany sends its holiday market spirit straight to the heart of Philadelphia every year. Christmas Village in Philadelphia brings rows of wooden vendor booths to LOVE Park, the City Hall Courtyard, and the North Broad section.
A preview weekend kicks off on November 21 and 22, 2026. Daily operation then starts on Thanksgiving Day and continues until December 27.
Thanksgiving hours are 9 AM to 5 PM. That’s handy if you want to shop and still make it home before the turkey comes out.
On other days, hours run from noon to 8 PM Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday stretch until 9 PM, and the market closes on Christmas Day.
Looking up is part of the fun here. An illuminated 65-foot Ferris wheel sits right in the middle of the action.
Little ones will probably drag you toward the double-tier Christmas Village Carousel. There’s also a Kids Train for younger riders.
Santa Claus makes appearances too. So if your kids have a list ready, this is a great place to deliver it.
Rides and food cost extra, so plan your budget before you go. Strolling past the booths and lights is a treat on its own.
The location makes this easy to pair with other city outings. The parade ends not far away, so you could make a whole day of it.
Bring a shopping list and a little patience. Finding the perfect gift is way more fun under holiday lights.
Address: 1500 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
More than four million lights cover the fields at Shady Brook Farm. That’s a lot of bulbs, and somebody deserves a medal for stringing them.
The Holiday Light Show lights up acres of farmland with whimsical scenes. You can enjoy it from your own warm car, which is perfect for chilly nights.
The drive-through runs from November 21, 2026, to January 31, 2027. Hours are 5 PM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 5 PM to 11 PM on weekends.
Want fresh air instead? Open-air, tractor-drawn wagon rides run from November 22 through January 3.
Wagon hours are 5 PM to 8 PM Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, they run until 9 PM.
Keep one detail in mind. The wagon rides close on Thanksgiving Day, so plan that outing for another night.
Runners and walkers have something special this year too. The Dashin’ thru the…Lights! run and walk has been announced as ending after 2026.
That makes this your last chance to jog through a glowing farm. Lace up if it’s been on your bucket list.
The farm also has a market, so you can grab something before heading home. Seasonal corn mazes and wagon rides show up at other times of year.
Tip for drive-through fans: queue up your favorite holiday playlist. Singing loudly in the car is pretty much required.
Address: 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Riding a roller coaster on Thanksgiving night sounds wild, and that’s exactly why it’s great. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens on Thanksgiving Day from 5 PM to 9 PM.
The rest of the holiday weekend keeps going. Hours run noon to 9 PM on November 28 and 29, then noon to 8 PM on November 30.
Over five million twinkling lights cover the park. It’s like the whole place got dipped in holiday sparkle.
Thrill seekers can ride seven roller coasters, weather permitting. Family rides are on the menu too for younger or calmer riders.
Santa shows up with all nine of his reindeer. Yes, Rudolph included, so you can finally settle the reindeer roll call.
A new holiday entertainment experience joins the lineup this year. Twinkling Thru Time takes guests on a musical journey through decades of classic Christmas hits.
Our favorite quirky touch is TREEville Trail. It shows off over 20 uniquely decorated, candy-themed trees, and only Hershey could pull this off.
Here’s a bonus many people miss. Hersheypark admission includes access to ZooAmerica through a special entrance inside the park.
Pennsylvania’s chocolate town really knows how to make a holiday feel sweet. It’s fitting that the trees look good enough to eat.
Pro tip: eat a lighter Thanksgiving lunch if coasters are in your evening plans. Your stomach will thank you later.
Address: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
Hershey Farm Resort
Thanksgiving breakfast is a thing here, and honestly, why isn’t it everywhere? Hershey Farm Resort in Ronks serves a Thanksgiving Breakfast from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
That’s just the warm-up. The Smorgasbord Lunch and Dinner runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last reservation at 5:30 PM.
Prefer passing bowls around the table? A Family Style Thanksgiving Dinner is served from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
The menu leans on hearty Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food. That’s the kind of cooking Lancaster County is known for.
The Grand Smorgasbord is all-you-can-eat. It features scratch-made dishes, a soup and salad bar, and a deluxe dessert bar.
You read that right, a deluxe dessert bar. Pace yourself so you have room for it.
Reservations are required for Thanksgiving Day, so book early. Holiday tables tend to be in high demand.
The resort offers more than meals. There’s lodging, shops, and a bake shop on site.
After eating, you can stroll peaceful walking trails across the 23-acre property. A little walk might help you make space for round two.
Skipping the dishes is a gift in itself. Let someone else handle the cooking while you enjoy the country setting.
Address: 240 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572
Miller’s Smorgasbord
Seafood Bisque and chicken corn soup sharing one Thanksgiving table? Miller’s Smorgasbord in Ronks makes it happen with its Thanksgiving Buffet.
The buffet runs from 11 AM to 6:30 PM on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations for 2026 opened on October 14, so don’t wait too long.
Soup lovers get a strong start here. Lancaster County Chicken Corn Soup sits alongside that Seafood Bisque.
The salads stand out too, especially with hot bacon dressing. It’s a Pennsylvania Dutch favorite worth trying if you never have.
Appetizers add a fancy touch. Look for chilled steamed shrimp and crab-stuffed mushrooms.
A carving station anchors the main course. Hot entrees and a selection of vegetables and sides fill in the rest of your plate.
Save room for dessert, because it comes from Miller’s Bakery. That’s a sweet finish after a big meal.
Here’s a nice perk. The price covers non-alcoholic drinks, tax, and gratuity, so there’s no math at the end.
One rule to know before you go. Each table gets one hour and 45 minutes to dine.
That sounds like plenty of time, but this spread is big. Make a game plan and start with what you’re most excited about.
Address: 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA 17572
Strasburg Scooter Tours
Most people spend Thanksgiving morning basting a bird. A few lucky ones zip through Amish Country on a scooter instead.
Strasburg Scooter Tours runs a Thanksgiving Day Tour on Thursday, November 26, 2026. It starts at 9:00 AM and lasts about two to three hours.
That timing works out nicely. You’ll be back in plenty of time for your holiday meal.
The guided route follows quiet backroads through rolling farmland. Along the way, you’ll pass two covered bridges.
Here’s a fun twist. The itinerary changes every year, so even past riders get something new.
You’ve got a few vehicle options. Choose from single-seat scooters, double-seat Honda PCX scooters, or Smart Cabrio Convertibles.
The double-seat scooters do need a driver with a motorcycle license. If nobody in your group has one, the other choices still work great.
Plan to arrive 45 minutes early. A safety orientation is mandatory for every participant before the tour rolls out.
Dress for late November weather in the Pennsylvania countryside. Gloves and a warm jacket will make the ride much more enjoyable.
Think of it as building up an appetite the scenic way. Pie tastes even better after a morning of covered bridges.
Address: 246 N Decatur St, Strasburg, PA 17579
Wyndham Garden York
Apple cider brined pork loin might steal some attention from the turkey this year. Wyndham Garden York serves it at the carving station of its Thanksgiving Day Buffet.
Don’t worry, turkey fans. Traditional Roasted Turkey with Pan Gravy is carved right alongside it.
The buffet runs Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Reservations are required, so call dibs on your table early.
The sides read like a holiday wish list. Look for Candied Sweet Potatoes, Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, and Corn Pudding.
Fall Succotash and Roasted Brussels Sprouts add some color. Rice Pilaf and Seafood Newburgh round things out for anyone craving something different.
Soup gets two choices here. You can pick Cream of Crab or Pasta Fagioli, or try a little of both.
Salads offer plenty of variety. Options include Apple and Feta Harvest, Caesar, Broccoli, and Roasted Vegetable.
A gourmet dessert table wraps up the meal. That’s the moment to loosen your belt just a notch.
Hosting at a hotel buffet has one huge bonus. Nobody has to argue about who washes the roasting pan.
It’s an easy pick for families in central Pennsylvania who want a classic feast without the kitchen chaos. Just show up hungry and leave happy.
Address: 2000 Loucks Rd, York, PA 17408
