New York's Second Biggest Thanksgiving Parade Is Ready To Take Flight

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City of New Rochelle will soon be delighting families across the region in a way that only the Queen City of the Sound can.

New York's largest Thanksgiving Day Parade is perhaps best watched from the comfort of your living room, but you'll want to be there in person to enjoy the Empire State's second biggest spectacle of the season.

Mighty Mouse is set to soar through the streets of New Rochelle again as a favorite Thanksgiving tradition returns.

The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and City of New Rochelle 61st Annual Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Saturday, Nov 22., starting at 10 a.m.

The grand marshal for the 2025 Thanksgiving Parade is Chris Selin, former New Rochelle City Council Representative and former president of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation.

The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce says that Selin will ride down the parade route along North Avenue in style thanks to Audi New Rochelle who is providing a convertible Audi S5 Cabriolet for the celebration.

"It is such an honor to be chosen the Grand Marshal of this year's Thanksgiving Parade. This special place, New Rochelle, has been my home for 48 years," Selin said. "It has been my base, where I raised my son and where my son and his family have also settled; where I've been fortunate to be able to serve my community in various ways; and where I've met so many wonderful folks and enjoyed their friendship over the years. I am delighted and so grateful for this honor. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving, New Rochelle!"

The parade will feature floats and giant parade balloons, including New Rochelle's own iconic Mighty Mouse, along with Tom the Turkey, Curious George, Scooby Doo and Bugs Bunny. There will, of course, be marching bands playing throughout the parade, vintage cars and firetrucks, dancers, singers and marchers from Iona and Monroe Universities, local schools, businesses and community organizations. Santa will there too.

The 2025 Thanksgiving Parade route will go along North Avenue, beginning at Eastchester Road and ending at Bonnefoy Place. Groups will perform at the grandstand near Anderson Plaza, where the parade will be recorded for Thanksgiving weekend broadcasts on NRTV.

"The New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade is a NR Chamber and City tradition. This year's Parade honors Grand Marshal Chris Selin for her long service to the City in both a professional and volunteer capacity," Rob Hayes, President of the NR Chamber of Commerce and owner of The Beechmont Tavern, said. "Today and every day, we're thankful for all the NR Chamber members — past and present — who have worked to enhance the economic and business life of the City. And our Grand Marshal, Chris Selin, embodies that spirit of service. We're glad to honor her in the Parade. Congratulations!"

Watch parties will take place at several restaurants and businesses along the North Avenue parade route, including Beechmont Tavern, Smokehouse Tailgate Grill, Toastique, The Mirage, Spectators Sports Pub and Restaurant and other locations.

The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce also announced the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence's Annual Pancake Breakfast is back this year. Enjoy a delicious $5 breakfast made and served by New Rochelle's school administrators and teachers, just before the parade, and help support a good cause. Starting at 8 a.m. in the House 4 Cafeteria at New Rochelle High School (entrance through the doors facing the Twin Lakes and North Avenue), the breakfast is open to all. Note: There will be no vehicle entrance at the House 4 parking lot. There will be no exceptions. North Avenue, near the tennis courts, will be closed for the parade to all vehicles. Attendees should park in the teachers' lot on Clove Road and walk over through the baseball field entrance to House 4.

Parking for the parade will be available at the following locations: New Rochelle High School Teachers' Lot, Hamilton Avenue Parking Lot, City Hall Parking Lot, Lawn Avenue Parking Lot, New Rochelle Transit Center Parking Garage (train station), New Roc City Garage, Library South Parking Lot and along various side streets off North Avenue. Note: North Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic for parade. Be sure to use directions that do not include North Avenue to enter Parking Lots.

For the latest on the parade, including sponsorship information for balloons and floats, visit the NR Chamber website page here.

Chris Selin bio, provided by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce:

Chris Selin is a long-time resident of New Rochelle, relocating in 1977 after graduating from St. John’s University School of Law. Volunteer activities with her son, including scouting and soccer practice and games, soon lead to volunteerism in the broader community. As president of her Sutton Manor Homeowners’ Association, she organized five additional homeowners’ associations in the East End of New Rochelle in support of their common interests. During this time Chris completed her Masters in Environmental Law at Pace University Law School and was also an active member of the New Rochelle Rotary.

In 1994 Chris was elected to the New Rochelle City Council from District 2, serving until her retirement from Council in 2003. In July 2006, Chris returned to Council to complete the unexpired term of the retiring District 2 Council member. Those almost 12 years with the City Council were enriching and provided Chris with the opportunity to get to know and work with people and diverse groups from throughout the City of New Rochelle.

Chris has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation since 2006 and has served as President of the Board from June 2015 until June 2024. Chris also served as Chairman of the Library’s Strategic Plan Committee; a member of the Westchester County Planning Board for three years; a member of the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District from 2003 to 2017; a New Rochelle Democratic Party District Leader; and Past President and Board member of the Sutton Manor Homeowners' Association.

Chris resides in Sutton Manor with her husband Jeffrey Endervelt, and feels fortunate to have her son, Brian Demos, daughter-in-law Angela Demos, and the always fun and crazy grandkids, Elena and Sky, living in New Rochelle, just 10 minutes away.