The nation’s longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade returned to the center city of Philadelphia for its 106th year on Thursday.

Known as the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade for 10-plus years, the local ABC television station said that the event featured 14 massive helium balloons, more than 1,000 singers and dancers, and over 30 musical performances.

Following a 30-minute pre-show, the three-hour procession delighted tens of thousands of spectators and marked the official start of the holiday season with Santa Claus’s arrival.

For many attendees, the parade itself is a cherished family ritual.

Emily Fleming, a nurse in Philadelphia, told The Epoch Times she enjoys the community aspect of the parade.

“Luckily, we live in the neighborhood, so we just walk down and enjoy the atmosphere and the fun,” she said. “And you know, everybody coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Wonderful.”

Emily Fleming at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27, 2025. (William Huang/The Epoch Times)

When speaking to The Epoch Times, Mildred Betit, a para-professional from Philly, described the scene simply as “Fun. A lot of families. It’s Thanksgiving. We’re so happy to be here.”

She cited the float dedicated to popular television show “Abbott Elementary” as her personal favorite.

For visitors and first-timers, the event made a strong impression.

Katie Dinsmore, a visitor from New York City celebrating her family’s first Thanksgiving in Philadelphia, was especially enthusiastic about the main sponsor’s display.

“I loved the Dunkin flow. I thought it was so awesome. I loved the decorations with all the cups and donuts. So fun,” she told The Epoch Times.

Katie Dinsmore at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27, 2025. (William Huang/The Epoch Times)

The parade’s blend of pageantry and community spirit was a major draw.

Joe DeSousa, a retiree from Lehigh Valley, was at the event with his wife, Paula DeSousa, a clinical transformation consultant.

“I’m a drummer, so I like the bands,” he said.

Paula DeSousa captured the general feeling of the day, stating, “It’s great. It’s great to see everybody coming out and enjoying it.”

Amanda Petty, who works at a law office in New Jersey, was attending for the first time, and said it wouldn’t be her last. She appreciated “everything about the parade,” especially the music, but also its role in community and family.

She spoke of her late mother, telling The Epoch Times, “This is right up her alley, so we came out here in celebration of her life and the legacy that she left us.”

Petty expressed gratitude for the continued family traditions her mother started, her life, and her children, who “helped me be the best version of myself.”

She and her sister are already making plans to return next year.

A band at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27, 2025. (Frank Liang/The Epoch Times)

Beyond the entertainment, the day was a profound reminder of gratitude.

For many, Thanksgiving means focusing on family and health.

Emily Fleming said the holiday means “family, food, celebrating the health and the wealth of my family, and just enjoying time together,” and that people “should be thankful most for our family, the people that we love.”

Paula DeSousa expressed being “very grateful for everything, for friends, family, everybody, health,” and that she was most thankful this year for “being healthy.” Her husband, Joe, stated simply, “I’m retired, and I just love life.”

Rocky Auletto, a nurse practitioner and retired U.S. Air Force veteran, reflected on the deeper significance of the day. Having retired recently after nearly 24 years of service, she noted that the day “brings back the historical underpinnings of our country, how we got to be where we’re at.”

Rocky Auletto at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27, 2025. (William Huang/The Epoch Times)

She sent a message to troops currently deployed, acknowledging their selfless service and the sacrifices their loved ones have made. She emphasized that Thanksgiving is “a gathering of all people, regardless of your race, religion, ethnicity, beliefs, just to bring people together and have a meaningful day and be thankful for all that we have.”

Andrew Li contributed to this report.