Thanksgiving brings a wave of gratitude, turkey marathons, and the age-old question: where can you catch a parade that will make your heart swell and your kids cheer? If you’re in Tualatin, Oregon, this holiday season, you might be surprised to learn that the city doesn’t host its own Thanksgiving parade. But before you sulk into your mashed potatoes, know this: the greater Portland area and beyond offer plenty of ways to soak up the parade magic, whether you’re watching from your couch in pajamas or bundling up for a live spectacle.
No Local Parade? No Problem
If you’d rather stay close to home, Tualatin shines in other ways during the Thanksgiving season. The Tualatin Valley wine country hosts special Thanksgiving Wine Weekend events from November 29 to December 1, featuring tastings, food pairings, and new wine releases at local wineries. Think of it as a grown-up celebration where gratitude pairs perfectly with a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir.
How to Watch the Big Parades on TV
Let’s be honest: sometimes the best parade viewing happens from the comfort of your living room with a hot cup of coffee and zero chance of frozen toes. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains America’s favorite holiday spectacle, and in 2025, it kicks off on Thursday, November 27, at 8:30 AM on NBC and Peacock. The broadcast runs until noon, giving you three and a half hours of giant balloons, Broadway performances, and that magical moment when Santa’s Sleigh rolls into Herald Square.
Pro tip: tune in early if you want to catch the Broadway show performances, which typically happen in the first hour. And if you miss the live broadcast, NBC airs an encore at 2:00 PM, so you can watch it all over again between pie servings.
Parade Fun Facts That Will Impress Your Guests
Want to sound like a parade expert at the dinner table? Here are some gems to drop into conversation. Santa’s Sleigh is the largest float in the Macy’s parade, stretching 60 feet long and standing 3.5 stories tall. Meanwhile, Tom Turkey holds the title as the longest-running float in parade history and is the only self-propelled float in the entire lineup.
Here’s a wild one: all parade floats are engineered to fold down to the size of a New York City bus so they can travel through the Lincoln Tunnel from New Jersey to Manhattan. Engineers and designers work year-round to create these collapsible wonders, and each float features multiple hinges that allow it to compress and expand like a giant, festive accordion.
Marching bands bring serious energy to any parade. The Macy’s parade alone features almost 3,000 marching band members from across the country, all competing for the honor of performing on national television. These musicians practice for months, perfecting their routines and learning to march in sync while playing complex pieces.
More Tualatin Thanksgiving Fun
Beyond parades and wine tastings, Tualatin and the surrounding area offer holiday markets, artisan fairs, and community gatherings. The day after Thanksgiving, thousands gather at Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with a spectacular 75-foot-tall tree. It’s the official kickoff to the holiday season and a perfect way to extend the Thanksgiving weekend celebration.
For those who love shopping local, the Red Sled Market in Sherwood runs through December 24, offering handmade gifts and festive decorations from local artisans. Oregon has no sales tax, making your holiday shopping even sweeter.
Whether you’re road-tripping to Portland for a live parade, streaming the Macy’s extravaganza from your couch, or raising a glass at a local winery, Tualatin offers plenty of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving 2025. The holiday spirit is alive and well, parade or no parade.
Sources: tualatinvalley.org, nbc.com, macysthanksgiving.fandom.com, travelportland.com, redsledmarket.com
Header Image Source: oregonlive.com
