Thanksgiving morning means one thing for millions of families: parades. The giant balloons, marching bands, and festive floats have become as much a part of the holiday as turkey and pumpkin pie. So what’s happening in Venice, Florida, this year?
The Parade Situation
Here’s the scoop: Venice doesn’t host a Thanksgiving Day parade. But before you feel disappointed, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the parade tradition right from your Florida home, plus some amazing local celebrations to put on your calendar.
Watch the Big Shows From Home
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains America’s favorite morning tradition, and you can watch it live on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30 a.m. on November 27, 2025. CBS also broadcasts the parade with their own hosts if you prefer a different viewing angle. The parade runs for about three hours, giving you plenty of entertainment while you prep the turkey or sip your morning coffee.
Streaming options include Peacock (starting at $7.99/month), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Paramount+. If you have a smart TV, just download the NBC or CBS app and start watching. Set up your viewing spot early, get cozy with blankets, and make it a family affair. Pro tip: pop some popcorn or set out a breakfast spread to munch on while you watch.
Venice’s Own Holiday Celebration
While Venice skips the Thanksgiving parade, the city goes all out for the Venice Holiday Parade on November 29, 2025. This year’s theme is “All Aboard the Centennial,” celebrating Venice’s 100th birthday. The parade kicks off the city’s 18-month Centennial Celebration and has been a beloved tradition for over 45 years.
The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. in Historic Downtown Venice and draws huge crowds. Families line Venice Avenue to watch decorated floats, classic cars, marching bands, and community groups pass by. The route stretches about a mile and takes 45 minutes to complete. Arrive early to snag a good viewing spot along the route, and bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating.
Behind the Parade Magic
Ever wonder what goes into those spectacular parade floats? The giant balloons at the Macy’s parade take an entire day to inflate, and volunteers can watch the inflation process the day before Thanksgiving. Each balloon requires dozens of handlers to keep it steady and moving down the street.
Here’s a fun secret: all performers on parade floats lip sync, even the biggest stars. The floats can’t deliver high-quality sound for live singing, so everyone records their performances in advance. Marching bands, on the other hand, play completely live, often practicing their parade routines for months before the big day.
Parade floats are engineering marvels. They need to navigate tight turns, fit under bridges, and operate for hours without breaking down. Many floats feature animatronics, lighting displays, and moving parts that require teams of technicians riding along to keep everything running smoothly.
More Thanksgiving Fun in the Area
If you want to experience community spirit in person, the Knights of Columbus in Venice hosts their annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 27, 2025, at noon. Everyone is welcome, especially those who might be alone for the holiday. Reservations are required, but there’s no charge (free-will offerings are appreciated).
Looking ahead to early December, the Sarasota Holiday Parade takes place on December 6, 2025, at 7 p.m. along Main Street, featuring thousands of participants and even more spectators.
Make Your Own Parade Day
Whether you’re watching from your couch or planning to catch Venice’s Holiday Parade in a few days, the parade tradition brings joy and wonder to the season. Gather your family, pick your viewing method, and celebrate the magic of community coming together. After all, the best part of any parade is sharing it with the people you love.
Sources: macysthanksgiving.fandom.com, nbc.com, venicegov.com, epiphanyknights.org, sarasotaholidayparade.com
Header Image Source: laltoday.6amcity.com
