Parade, Eat, Nap, Football – In That Order!

It’s about time to celebrate everything we’re grateful for throughout the year by getting together with family & friends, enjoying a big meal & then just hanging out and enjoying the day. If you are from Philly however, there’s something which comes just before the turkey & the stuffing; the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade! It’s the oldest annual Thanksgiving Parade…even beats out the Macy’s Day parade (crazy, right.?!).

This year crowds may be scarce with temps only reaching a frigid 25 degrees at the start of the parade and don’t expect them to rise much throughout the day, with a high of 28. The nearly mile & a half parade kicks off at 8:30 am at the corner of 20th & JFK Boulevard and will be heading east four blocks before heading north on 16th Street to the Ben Franklin Parkway and on to the Museum of Art.

Are you someone who strives to see and potentially meet a celebrity? This parade is stacked full; with the most talked about attendee…Gritty. Included in the guest appearances are the stars of the musical Matilda (currently at Walnut Street theater), dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet, our reigning (although struggling) SuperBowl Champion cheerleaders and of course Mr & Mrs Claus will close up the parade!

It truly is a family affair but be sure to bundle up the kids before heading out. If you decide to catch the parade by Eakins Oval, you can enjoy a photo booth, face painting, free DD & so much more.

Skipping the parade to get to family & friends? Make sure you check street closings or you will be delayed until the end of the parade – PLAN AHEAD! And you can always catch the sites from the warmth of your bed or couch on 6ABC!

Eat & Nap – we think you may already have that covered however if you are looking for somewhere to eat this Thanksgiving, check out what’s open:

Bank & Bourbon: Located in the Loews Hotel, they’re offering a Thanksgiving buffet for $65 per adult & $22 for kids. You receive the standard Thanksgiving fare and in addition, oysters and seafood plus salmon & so much more. Interested in wines? You can add in a pairing for $35. More details here!
Devon: Per-fixe menu for diners from noon through 8pm! This seafood-focused spot is serving up the fixings this Thursday for $40 per adult & $20 for kids 12 to 3. Under 3 are on the house!
XIX: The perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving. There are more options here for your meal than anywhere else this holiday. From the raw bar, to salads & charcuterie plus carving stations offering NY strip, turkey, ham & monkfish! Think you’re full already? You still have the pasta stations followed by dessert! It’s a nice place located at the top of the Bellevue Hotel, so be sure to wear something nice…but stretchy!
Moshulu: Dine in style on the Delaware River this Thanksgiving. A 3-course pre-fixe meal is being offered including some seafood-focused dishes along with some of the holiday traditions.
Scarpetta: Choose between a la carte or pre-fixe at this elegant Rittenhouse restaurant. Either way you swing it, you will enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving foods as well as an Italian twist on some classics!
Kimpton’s Red Owl Tavern & Square 1682: A both of these locations, it’s all about giving! For every meal purchased, a portion of the meal is donated to No Kid Hungry this holiday season. Both locations are offering up the traditional fare plus some festive cocktails!
PJ Clarke’s: Thanksgiving at PJ Clarke’s is a 3-day extravaganza but we’re here to focus on the big Turkey Day! On Thursday this Washington Square hot spot is offering up a traditional Thanksgiving meal from 1-8 pm.
Davio’s: Not just steaks are headed your way if you’re planning on booking at Davio’s this Thanksgiving. The steakhouse is offering a prix fixe menu for $65  a head including all of the fixings! And even better…you can take home some leftovers for $13!
Del Frisco’s: Gear up for a 3-course menu being served up this Thanksgiving at Del Friso’s! Start with soup or salad, then dive into the main course of turkey with all the trimmings & then finish with pie a la mode or a cheesecake (pumpkin). All this for $59 per person!

And of course; the pig skin line up!

NFL:
Bears vs. Lions at 12:20pm
Redskins vs. Cowboys at 4:30pm
Falcons vs. Saints at 8:20pm (will anyone still be awake?!)

College:
Colorado St. vs. Air Force at 3:30pm
Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss at 7:30pm