The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade returns to Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, on Saturday, November 21, 2026, bringing festive floats, marching bands, mascots, and special guests to the streets. As the D.C, regions largest Thanksgiving holiday parade, this annual tradition kicks off the holiday season in Montgomery County. Silver Spring was also recently named #1 Best Place to Live for Families by Fortune Magazine in 2024, making it the perfect setting for a family outing.
The parade will take off at 10:00 a.m. from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street in Silver Spring’s Arts & Entertainment District and will conclude at around 1:00 p.m., leaving plenty of time to make a day of visiting the city. Here are five things to expect before you go:
1. The only Thanksgiving parade in the Washington, DC metro area
The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade brings the community together in Downtown Silver Spring for a festive start to the holiday season. Past parades have drawn up to 10,000 spectators who come out Silver Spring to watch more than 100 participating groups and organizations. Check the official event listing for the latest details on the 2026 parade lineup.
2. Fun for the whole family
The family-friendly parade will begin with a Thanksgiving and harvest theme and end with festive holiday music. Kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy a sense of community from floats made locally, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman, bear mascots, Santa Claus, and much more.
After the parade concludes, stick around bustling Downtown Silver Spring to pick up holiday gifts for your loved ones, and grab a bite to eat. Head to Java Nation Silver Spring for brunch and try delicious menu items like beef empanadas, French Toast, or a Crab Cake Burger or sip on a classic mimosa, smoky grapefruit paloma margarita, or cocktail. Head to Silver Branch Brewing Co. to sample a IPA or Pilsner, or take a small drive to the Urban Winery Silver Spring for a glass of red or white wine and Greek meatballs with Tzatziki, both on the Tastemakers Trail.
Keep the fun going and take friends and family to ice skate at the covered outdoor rink at Veterans Plaza. Go on a gaming adventure at Dave & Buster’s Silver Spring or pick up a new cozy read at nearby Peoples Book, an independent bookstore where you can find a cozy new read or thoughtful gift.
3. Floats, performances, and special appearances
This family-friendly parade brings the holiday season to life with gift-box mascots, candy cane chracters, gingerbread costumes, and giant inflatables, including a giant turkey and a penguin. Cheer on college and high school marching bands, watch live cultural dance performances by groups including Akhmedova Ballet and Maryland Youth Ballet, and keep an eye out for stilt walkers and Hanukkah bears. Mrs. Claus, Santa, and their elves will also make special appearances as Downtown Silver Spring welcomes the start of the holiday season.
The lineup also includes cultural performances, stilt walkers, Hanukkah bears, and a penguin inflatable.
4. The show must go on, regardless of the weather
The parade will take place rain or shine, and temperatures may be in the low- to mid-40s. Be sure to dress accordingly for a comfortable experience while watching the festivities. We recommend a jacket and warm shoes, and an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. If you forget, don’t worry, Downtown Silver Spring is around with shops catering to both children and adults.
5. Free parking and road closures
Though the best way to get to the parade is via the Metro Red Line to Silver Spring Station, there will be free parking in public garages along the parade route, including Sligo Avenue Garage, Cameron Street Garage, and Bonifant Street Garage. The Ellsworth Town Center Garage and Wayne Avenue Garage will be closed to accommodate the parade.
The following roads will be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, with parking restrictions beginning at 2 a.m.:
- North and Southbound Georgia Avenue between East-West Highway and Colesville Road
- Cedar Avenue between Colesville Road and Wayne Avenue
- Pershing Drive from Cedar Avenue to Veterans Place
- Veterans Place from Pershing to Ellsworth Drive
- Ellsworth Drive from Georgia Avenue to Cedar Avenues
- Roeder Road from Fenton Street to Cedar Avenue
- Fenton Street from Cameron Street to Wayne Avenue
- Wayne Avenue from Georgia Avenue to Fenton Street
- Bonifant Street from Georgia Avenue to Fenton Street
- Thayer Avenue from Georgia Avenue to Fenton Street
- Silver Spring Avenue from Georgia Avenue to Fenton Street
