The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade is back — and this year, it’s bigger, brighter, and more vibrant than ever. The annual parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, filling the streets of downtown Silver Spring with marching bands, dancers, floats, and festive fun.
The parade begins at Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and travels south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue. Catch all the action from the grandstand at Fenton and Ellsworth, where 7News meteorologists Brian van de Graaff and Eileen Whelan will host the festivities live.
A Celebration for All: Uniting Cultures, Traditions, and Hearts
This Parade is always a Celebration for All: Uniting Cultures, Traditions, and Hearts. At a time when community connection means more than ever, the parade brings together neighbors, families, and performers from across the region to share joy, culture, and gratitude. It’s a reminder that the simple act of coming together — side by side on our streets — strengthens who we are as a community.
With almost 200 marching units, this year’s celebration will be one of the most vibrant in the parade’s history. Spectators can look forward to live performances from Akhmedova Ballet Academy, Maryland Youth Ballet, cultural dance groups, and high school marching bands.
The parade begins with a harvest and Thanksgiving theme and transitions into the start of the winter holidays — complete with reindeer, elves, a Hanukkah bear, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus waving to the crowd.
Adding to the excitement are award-winning marching bands like the Roaring Bengals from Blake High School and the returning Northwood High School Gladiators. Global performers — including Bolivia’s Caporales San Simón, Alma Boliviana, Mexico’s Fundación Elena Ballet Folklórico, and Bangladesh’s Monjuri Nrittalaya — will bring color, rhythm, and international flair to downtown Silver Spring.
New This Year
Debuting this year is a farmers harvest unit celebrating Montgomery County’s agricultural roots and the farmers who make our Thanksgiving traditions possible.
And, as always, the visual spectacle continues with floats, inflatables, vintage car clubs, dog parades, honor guards, roller derby skaters, toy soldiers, giant turkeys, and more.
Be Part of the Parade
The parade will take place rain or shine. While applications to march are now closed, there’s still a chance to join the fun behind the scenes.
Volunteers are needed to help bring the parade to life — from elves and pilgrims on floats to reindeer, penguins, and balloon handlers. Volunteers must be age 13 or older and available from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on parade day.
Volunteers meet at the Silver Spring Civic Building (One Veterans Place) at Ellsworth and Fenton.
Learn more at silverspringdowntown.com/events/thanksgiving-parade