Illustration of a holiday parade with a giant present float, a marching band and families waving (Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade)

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade

Visitors can watch a procession featuring glittering floats, marching bands, 12-foot inflatable turkeys, and Santa Claus. The parade begins with autumn and Thanksgiving-themed units before moving into winter, Hanukkah, and Christmas celebrations. Festivities also include an opening ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by local emcees and county leadership.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

Starts at 10:00am (also written as 10 a.m.).

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Silver Spring

Food & Drink

Family-friendly restaurants are located along the parade route.

Parking

Free parking is available in the Sligo Avenue, Cameron Street, and Bonifant Street public garages. The Ellsworth Town Center and Wayne Avenue garages are closed that day. Saturday and Wayne Avenue garage closes beginning at 8am; garages re-open by 2pm. Parade goers are encouraged to take Metro/Red Line to Silver Spring station.

Going?

Location

Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District · Silver Spring, MD Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday-season parade fans

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Take the Metro Red Line to Silver Spring station, as paradegoers are encouraged to use it and nearby garages have closures.
  • If driving, use the Sligo Avenue, Cameron Street or Bonifant Street public garages; the Ellsworth Town Center and Wayne Avenue garages are closed.
  • Expect road closures around the route, including Georgia Avenue, and use the stated East-West Highway detour for traffic.
  • The parade continues rain or shine; if dangerous weather occurs, listen for directions to take cover in adjacent parking garages.
  • Find the portable restrooms on Veterans Place behind the building, and consider the family-friendly restaurants along the parade route for food.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free parking is available in the Sligo Avenue, Cameron Street, and Bonifant Street public garages.

Links & Contact

Run by Silver Spring Urban District

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the parade include?

Expect floats, marching bands, 12-foot inflatable turkeys and Santa, with units progressing from harvest and Thanksgiving themes to winter, Hanukkah and Christmas.

Is the parade suitable for families?

Yes. It is described as a celebration for the whole family.

Where can I find food and restrooms along the route?

Family-friendly restaurants are along the route. Portable restrooms are on Veterans Place, behind the building.

Where can I park, and what is the recommended transit option?

Free parking is available in the Sligo Avenue, Cameron Street and Bonifant Street public garages. The Ellsworth Town Center and Wayne Avenue garages are closed; paradegoers are encouraged to take the Metro Red Line to Silver Spring station.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The parade continues rain or shine. If conditions become dangerous, an announcement will direct people to take cover in adjacent parking garages; cancellation notices would be shared through Montgomery County Public Information Channels.

Browse Christmas in Silver Spring

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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