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Photos show how cities across the US celebrate Thanksgiving

Photos show how cities across the US celebrate Thanksgiving

This year, over 3 million people are expected to attend to see dozens of floats and balloons, and thousands of cheerleaders, dancers, clowns, marching bands, and other performers.

Photos show how cities across the US celebrate Thanksgiving

The Macy's parade in New York City is the largest and one of the oldest Thanksgiving processions in the US. The first one was held in 1924.

The Macy

Source: Mental Floss

Musicians play bugles and drums, while vintage American cars and handmade floats ride through the streets.

Musicians play bugles and drums, while vintage American cars and handmade floats ride through the streets.

Source: Travel Channel

Plymouth, Massachusetts takes pride in the fact that the first Pilgrims arrived to its town via the Mayflower in 1620. In its parade, some dress in 17th century-style garb.

Plymouth, Massachusetts takes pride in the fact that the first Pilgrims arrived to its town via the Mayflower in 1620. In its parade, some dress in 17th century-style garb.

Source: History

Last year's balloons included classic characters like Tweety Bird, Cat in the Hat, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Curious George, The Grinch, and Mr. Potato Head.

Last year

Source: Visit Philly

Sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts, Philly's parade always includes local performers.

Sponsored by Dunkin

Source: Curbed

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania held the nation's first Thanksgiving parade in 1920. Today, it features huge floats like the robot below, which appeared in 2014:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania held the nation

Source: Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia

Texas flags wave on many of the floats.

Texas flags wave on many of the floats.

Cheerleaders perform every year at the Thanksgiving parade in Houston, Texas.

Cheerleaders perform every year at the Thanksgiving parade in Houston, Texas.

Source: KIII News

Detroit's parade is also known for its papier-mache sculptures called "Big Heads." In the 2013 photo below, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford stands with a likeness of company founder Henry Ford.

Detroit

Over the years, there have been a few out-there performances. In 2009, a group danced with new Hoover upright vacuums (presumably to advertise them).

Over the years, there have been a few out-there performances. In 2009, a group danced with new Hoover upright vacuums (presumably to advertise them).

Before the parade begins, the city has road races, including the 1-mile Mashed Potato Mile, 5K Stuffing Strut, and 10K Turkey Trot.

Before the parade begins, the city has road races, including the 1-mile Mashed Potato Mile, 5K Stuffing Strut, and 10K Turkey Trot.

Detroit, Michigan holds its event, dubbed "America's Thanksgiving Parade," with clowns, themed floats, and dance performances. The 2010 photo below shows a "Wizard of Oz" float with a performer dressed as Dorothy.

Detroit, Michigan holds its event, dubbed "America

Source: The Parade Company

Along with New York's and Los Angeles, Chicago's parade is one of three in the country that is broadcast nationally.

Along with New York

Source: The Chicago Tribune

Garfield the Cat has appeared in the parade six times since 2006.

Garfield the Cat has appeared in the parade six times since 2006.

Thousands of people line the streets to watch.

Thousands of people line the streets to watch.

Source: The Chicago Sun Times

In Chicago, Illinois, McDonald's sponsors the Thanksgiving parade, which starts in the morning. Until this year, a group of Ringling Brothers elephants kicked off the procession.

In Chicago, Illinois, McDonald

Source: The Chicago Tribune

Several musicians play at the end of Hollywood's parade. Last year, Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees), Zach Barrett (American Authors), Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz and The Tantrums), and Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) performed on the stage below.

Several musicians play at the end of Hollywood

The event starts at 5pm, so the sky is dark for much of the parade.

The event starts at 5pm, so the sky is dark for much of the parade.

Source: The Hollywood Christmas Parade

In 2016, performers dressed as Stormtroopers and Imperial Shadow Guides to promote "Star Wars: Rogue One."

In 2016, performers dressed as Stormtroopers and Imperial Shadow Guides to promote "Star Wars: Rogue One."

Every Thanksgiving, Los Angeles, California celebrates its Hollywood Christmas Parade on a red carpet.

Every Thanksgiving, Los Angeles, California celebrates its Hollywood Christmas Parade on a red carpet.

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