East Sacramento Connect

East Sacramento may be California’s capital city, but when it comes to Turkey Day parades, locals will need to look beyond their own streets this year. While the city knows how to throw a party (just wait until the Santa parade rolls through in December), Thanksgiving 2025 won’t feature marching bands and giant balloons marching down Capitol Avenue.

But don’t worry. Sacramento families have plenty of ways to soak up the parade spirit and celebrate the holiday with style.

Watch From Your Couch

The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcasts live on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30 AM on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Set your alarm, brew that coffee, and settle in for nearly four hours of entertainment while your turkey roasts. An encore showing airs at 2 PM if you miss the morning magic or want a second helping of the fun.​

Pro tip: turn on NBC on Wednesday, November 26, at 8 PM for the Countdown to the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade special. You’ll get behind-the-scenes access and exclusive peeks at the floats and balloons before they hit the streets.​

Your Living Room Setup Guide

Make parade watching an event worth remembering. Pop some popcorn, set out cinnamon rolls or breakfast treats, and let the kids wear pajamas all morning. Keep phones charged for family photos and create a cozy spot on the couch where everyone can see the screen.​

If you have little ones, hand them paper and crayons to draw their own parade floats during commercial breaks. Older kids might enjoy guessing which Broadway show will perform next or counting how many clown crews appear.​

Float Facts That Wow

Those massive parade floats you see on TV hold some seriously cool secrets. Every single float gets engineered to fold down to the size of a regular New York City bus so they can squeeze through the Lincoln Tunnel on their way to the parade route. Talk about a transformation!​

Santa’s Sleigh takes the crown as both the longest and tallest float in the entire parade, stretching 60 feet long and standing 3.5 stories tall. Meanwhile, Tom Turkey kicks off each parade as the longest-running title float, a tradition that puts him at the front of the pack year after year.​

Nearly 3,000 marching band members from all over the country will strut their stuff along the 2.5-mile route. These talented musicians practice for months to nail their performance on national television.​

Local Thanksgiving Vibes

Sacramento puts its own spin on Turkey Day with community gatherings that bring neighbors together. The Delta King Riverboat hosts a Thanksgiving feast from noon to 6 PM, featuring a chef carving station and a festive buffet. Eating turkey on a historic riverboat? Yes please.​

Check out community events like Harvest of Hope, where local organizations help families in need while offering activities and vendor booths. Several churches and community centers host Friendsgiving celebrations and potlucks throughout the week leading up to Thanksgiving.​

For active families, the Thanksgiving Eve Run and Food Drive at Sacramento Running Company combines fitness with giving back. Nothing says gratitude like breaking a sweat for a good cause on November 26.​

Make It Your Own

Even without a hometown parade, Sacramento families can create their own Thanksgiving morning traditions. Watch the Macy’s broadcast together, whip up a special breakfast, volunteer at a local food drive, or take a gratitude walk around your neighborhood before the big meal. The holiday shines brightest when you celebrate in ways that matter most to your crew.​

This Thanksgiving, let the parade come to you through your screen while you enjoy the comfort of home and the company of people you love. Sacramento style means doing the holidays your way.