Camarillo Insider

Looking for giant balloons floating down Main Street and elaborate floats rolling through downtown Camarillo this Thanksgiving? You won’t find them here. While many major cities host big parades, the Camarillo and Ventura area keeps things wonderfully local with their own unique ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Why No Local Parade

The truth is, not every community needs a massive parade to make Thanksgiving special. Instead of Broadway performers and celebrity appearances, this region focuses on active family fun and cozy celebrations that feel more personal. Think running shoes instead of parade routes, and you’ll get the picture.

Run Before You Feast

The biggest Thanksgiving morning tradition around here is the Ventura Turkey Trot 5K at the Ventura Auto Center. Starting at 8:00 AM on November 27, 2025, this fast and flat course attracts runners and walkers from throughout Ventura County. Parents love that the Kids 1K starts at 9:15 AM, so everyone from toddlers to grandparents can join the fun. All participants snag a custom finisher’s medal, plus you can grab a commemorative Turkey Trot shirt or mug. The best part? You’ll be home with plenty of time to shower and help prep the feast. The location near King Road and Hofer Drive makes it super easy for Camarillo families to zip over for some morning exercise.

Watch the Pros on TV

Just because there’s no local parade doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the tradition. The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcasts live on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30 AM across all time zones. TODAY show hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker will guide you through every balloon, float, and performance. An encore airs at 2 PM if you’re busy cooking during the morning show.

Streaming options abound if you’ve cut the cable cord. Peacock offers the easiest access as NBC’s own platform, starting at just $10.99 monthly. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV STREAM all carry NBC, too, with most offering free trials for new subscribers—perfect timing for a one-day viewing party.

Behind the Parade Magic

Ever wonder how those massive floats actually get to New York City? Every single float must shrink down to 12.5 feet tall and 8 feet wide to squeeze through the Lincoln Tunnel. That’s roughly the size of a city bus. Engineers start planning 18 months ahead to ensure each float can transform from tunnel size to a spectacular display.

The scale of this event is bonkers in the best way. More than 5,000 volunteers make it happen, including float handlers, balloon wranglers, and costume designers. You’ll see 17 giant character balloons, 22 elaborate floats, over 700 clowns, and dozens of marching bands strutting down that 2.5-mile route. Each marching band practices for months, perfecting their routines and music to shine during their brief television moment. The balloon handlers train specifically to manage those towering characters in wind and weather, following strict safety protocols.

Make It Your Own

Create your own Camarillo Thanksgiving viewing party at home. Set up the TV by the kitchen so you can watch floats while basting the turkey. Kids can color parade-themed pictures during commercial breaks. Make it a potluck breakfast with neighbors before everyone scatters to their own family dinners. Or bundle up and head to Ventura Harbor Village, where select shops and restaurants open for Thanksgiving with harbor views and fresh ocean air.

The beauty of Thanksgiving in Ventura County is its flexibility. Whether you’re running off those future pie calories, streaming Broadway performances from your couch, or gathering with neighbors for a casual morning, you’re crafting memories that matter—no parade route required.