Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown Silver Spring features floats, marching bands, inflatable turkeys, stilt walkers, and Santa Claus. Olympic medalists, local officials, and over 150 parade units will participate in the celebration.
What to Expect
Annual Thanksgiving parade with festive floats and Santa.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 3 hours (10 AM - 1 PM)
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Silver Spring
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Akhmedova Ballet Academy
- Maryland Youth Ballet
Organizer
Silver Spring Urban District
Food & Drink
Family-friendly restaurants located along the parade route. Dining options available in Silver Spring.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community members
Vibe
Festive and celebratory
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking available in Sligo Avenue Garage, Cameron Street Garage, and Bonifant Street Garage. Ellsworth Town Center and Wayne Avenue garages are closed during the event. Garages reopen by 2 PM.
- Accessibility: The event continues rain or shine. If weather becomes dangerous, announcements will be made to take cover in adjacent parking garages. In case of cancellation due to dangerous weather, announcements will be made through Montgomery County Public Information Channels.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as road closures begin at 6 a.m. and the parade starts at 10 a.m.
- Consider taking the Metro Red Line to the Silver Spring station to avoid parking challenges and road closures.
- Check the event's FAQ for detailed information on road closures and available parking garages, as some are closed for the event.
- Dress in layers as the event proceeds rain or shine, and be prepared for potentially cooler weather in late November.
- Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals aged 13 and older; sign up in advance via the provided application link.
Special Events & Promotions
- Volunteer opportunities for ages 13+
- Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony with special guests and local officials
- Parade route features both Thanksgiving and Winter/Holiday themed units
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in case of inclement weather?
The parade continues rain or shine. If weather becomes dangerous, announcements will be made to take cover in adjacent parking garages. In case of cancellation due to dangerous weather, an announcement will be made through Montgomery County Public Information Channels.
Which roads are closed for the parade?
North and Southbound Georgia Avenue from East-West Highway to Colesville Road will close at 6 a.m. and re-open around 1 p.m. Several other streets in the downtown area will also be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please check the event details for a full list.
Where can I park?
Free parking is available in the Sligo Avenue Garage, Cameron Street Garage, and Bonifant Street Garage. The Ellsworth Town Center and Wayne Avenue garages will be closed for the event.
Is food and drink available?
Yes, family-friendly restaurants are located along the parade route, offering various dining options in Silver Spring.
Why does the Silver Spring turkey have swirls as feathers?
The swirls represent the 'springs' of Silver Spring, a motif continued throughout the logos of Silver Spring.
More Christmas Events near 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.