Detroit’s 99th Thanksgiving Parade Reveals Big Names, Eight Fresh Floats

Down Woodward Avenue on Nov. 27, 2025, Detroit's 99th America's Thanksgiving Parade will wind its way through the city streets. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and former WDIV-TV anchor Devin Scillian will stand at the front as grand marshals, as per Detroit Free Press.

With Thanksgiving is Better in Detroit! as the chosen theme, The Parade Company unveiled plans on Oct. 22. Music from The Lion King opens the show as performers bring "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" to life.

Fresh designs will shine on eight brand-new floats, with sneak peeks coming soon. Bright balloons will bob above the streets while bands march below. City favorites Roary, Paws, Hooper, and Nitro will greet the crowds.

Stars will shine at the event. Emmy winner Sam Richardson plans to attend. Christopher McDonald, known for Happy Gilmore, will wave to fans. Detroit Lions star Dexter Bussey will join them. Hannah Palmer, Miss Michigan 2025 and Ann Arbor teacher, adds to the mix.

A new addition to the Big Head group pays tribute to Tigers voice Kirk Gibson. These giant papier-mache face will dazzle onlookers.

Kids will spot SpongeBob and Patrick Star among the crowds. At the end, Santa brings holiday magic to town. Before the main show, runners take to the streets in the Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot, picking between 5k, 10k, or one-mile runs.

WDIV-TV starts early with pre-parade coverage at 6 a.m. The main show runs two hours from 10 a.m. TV stations in 185 markets will air a one-hour version starting at 10 a.m.

Want to listen? Tune to 760 WJR or WOMC 104.3. Gardner White backs the show as the top sponsor this year.