The Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was more than a holiday event. It was a special celebration that set the standard for Thanksgiving parades nationwide.
First held in 1920, this Philadelphia tradition became a key part of the city’s holiday season. It combines community spirit, entertainment, and a bit of marketing savvy. Organized by the iconic Gimbel’s Department Store, the parade introduced new ideas that would influence Thanksgiving festivities for decades.
The Gimbel’s parade has a rich history. It started with store employees and live animals. Over time, it became a televised event. Now, it features floats and marching bands.
The parade is as colorful as the holiday itself. Though the store closed long ago, its legacy lives on in Philadelphia’s modern Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Let’s dive into some of the most fascinating facts about this historic and nostalgic event.
Related: 29 Vintage Photos of Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Parade
1. It Was America’s First Thanksgiving Parade
The Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1920. It became the first Thanksgiving parade in the United States. It took place four years before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in New York City. This made it a leader in holiday traditions.
2. It Began as a Marketing Stunt
Gimbel’s planned the parade to promote its toy department. The goal was to attract holiday shoppers to its main store on Market Street. The event proved so successful that it became an annual tradition, blending commerce with holiday cheer.
3. Employees Were the First Performers
In its earliest years, Gimbel’s relied on its own employees to bring the parade to life. They dressed in elaborate costumes, participated in performances, and helped create floats, making the event a true team effort.
4. Santa Claus Stole the Show
The arrival of Santa Claus was the grand finale of the parade. He would ride through the streets and finish the event by taking his place at Gimbel’s flagship store, marking the official start of the Christmas shopping season.
5. It Featured Live Animals Before Balloons
Before helium balloons became a staple of parades, Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured live animals borrowed from the Philadelphia Zoo. Elephants, camels, and other exotic creatures added excitement to the festivities.
6. It Inspired the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy’s modeled its own parade after Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s successful formula. The New York parade eventually became larger and more famous, but Gimbel’s is where the tradition began.
7. It Included Landmarks on Its Route
The Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route expanded to include prominent Philadelphia landmarks like the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, adding a touch of grandeur to the event.
8. Marching Bands Were a Key Feature
Marching bands, including many from local high schools, became a staple of Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Their energetic performances were a crowd favorite and helped cement the parade’s community-oriented vibe.
9. It Outlived Gimbel’s Department Store
When Gimbel’s closed its doors in 1986, many worried the parade would disappear. However, it was saved and continued under different sponsorships, eventually becoming the modern 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Parade.
10. It Pioneered the Use of Floats
Gimbel’s was one of the first parades to feature decorative floats, setting a trend that would become a hallmark of Thanksgiving parades. Over time, the floats became more elaborate, featuring popular themes and characters.
11. Santa Had His Own Workshop in the Store
After the parade, children could visit Santa’s workshop inside Gimbel’s toy department. This made the parade not just a spectacle but an interactive experience for families.
12. It’s Celebrated Over 100 Years of History
The Gimbel’s parade recently marked its 100-year anniversary, cementing its place as a cherished holiday tradition. Though the event has changed over time, its legacy as the nation’s first Thanksgiving parade endures.
13. It Was a Television Pioneer
The parade became a staple of Philadelphia’s local television broadcasts in the mid-20th century, bringing the holiday magic to families who couldn’t attend in person. Today, it’s still aired on 6ABC as a Thanksgiving Day highlight.
14. The Parade Helped Unite the Community
Beyond its commercial roots, the parade was a way for Philadelphians to come together and celebrate. From small neighborhood groups to citywide organizations, everyone had a role in making it a success.
15. It Laid the Foundation for Modern Thanksgiving Parades
Many elements we associate with modern Thanksgiving parades—floats, balloons, marching bands, and Santa Claus—can be traced back to the original Gimbel’s parade.
The Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was more than just a local event; it was a groundbreaking tradition that inspired the way Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. Its innovative spirit and community impact continue to resonate, ensuring its legacy lives on in Philadelphia and beyond.
