PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The country’s oldest Thanksgiving parade is set to kick off the holiday season, heading through Center City and up Ben Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

How to watch the 2024 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade

This year there are more ways than ever to join in the excitement and fun: come in person and experience the tradition first hand; Watch it on 6abc and wherever you stream, starting with a pre-parade special at 8:30 a.m. and kickoff at 9 a.m.; And if you’re not in Philadelphia, you can watch it on Hulu, ABCNewsLive, and Disney+.

There’s no better way to start the holiday season than with the parade that started them all – the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Last minute preparations

Dozens of artists worked their magic Wednesday evening in preparation for the parade.

“I would definitely say I’m excited. Definitely a little nervous,” said Cecilia Houck of On Point Dance Center in Blackwood, New Jersey.

The performers spent weeks rehearsing for the parade, now in its 105th year.

There are more than a dozen balloons with 19,000 cubic feet of helium to inflate, nearly 20 floats and 3,000 performers, including famous faces from the stages and screens of New York and Hollywood.

Singer Darlene Love will sing her Christmas classic, The Sugarhill Gang, Matteo Bocelli will also perform, Carson Kressley and ABC stars Lisa Ann Walter and Sam Champion will also be in attendance. Click here to see a full list of special guests and artists Here.

“There are so many fans that come out and line the parkway because they’ve done it their whole lives,” said John Morris, vice president of programming at 6abc, who also serves as the parade’s executive producer.

The parade remains a fan favorite for so many of our loyal viewers.

“I think it’s the start of the holidays. Everyone comes together and everyone has a holiday tradition. We’re part of that tradition,” Morris said.

READ MORE: Matteo Bocelli previews performance at 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade

Weather forecast

Temperatures will be around 50 degrees and it will rain heavily most of the morning. Be sure to wear your rain jacket and boots and dress in layers to stay warm. A thermos flask with hot chocolate or coffee would also be a good idea. It will dry out in the afternoon. Check out the latest AccuWeather forecast Here.

Parade route

The parade runs through the city of Philadelphia, starting at 20th and JFK Boulevard and turning LEFT onto 16th Street to Ben Franklin Parkway. The parade turns left onto the Parkway toward the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Road closures

Thursday, November 28, 2024

• 12:00 a.m. – JFK Boulevard from 30th to 16th Streets will be closed to vehicle traffic until the end of the parade.

• 2:00 a.m. – 20th Street, from Ben Franklin Parkway to Race Street, will be closed to vehicle traffic until 11:00 a.m

• 2 a.m. – Market Street from 19th to 20th streets will be closed to vehicle traffic until the end of the parade.

• 5 a.m. – 20th Street from JFK Boulevard to Arch Street is closed to vehicle traffic until the end of the parade.

• 6:00 a.m. – 20th Street, from Market Street to Ben Franklin Parkway, will be closed to vehicle traffic until the end of the parade.

• 6 a.m. – Market Street from 19th to 22nd streets will be closed to vehicle traffic until the end of the parade.

• 7 a.m.: Kelly Drive from Sedgley Drive to Eakins Oval will be closed to vehicle traffic until the end of the parade.

• 7:30 a.m. – Parade route closed to car traffic.

Read more about the list of closures here.

SEE ALSO: Darlene Love talks about her appearance at the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade