Overview:
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns Thursday for its 99th edition, bringing giant balloons, floats, marching bands and live performances through Manhattan and into living rooms nationwide. This year’s procession features more than 5,000 volunteers, 11 marching bands, dozens of floats and balloons, and musical appearances by stars including Cynthia Erivo and Darlene Love.
A brief history:
The parade began in 1924 as the Macy’s Christmas Parade to promote holiday shopping and originally included live animals from the Central Park Zoo. Animals were removed for safety in 1927 and over time were replaced by the oversized character balloons that have become the parade’s signature attraction.
When and where:
The parade starts at 8:30 a.m. in all U.S. time zones on Thursday, Nov. 27. The route begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West and travels roughly 2.5 miles to Macy’s Herald Square. For the best street-level views in New York City, many spectators gather between West 59th and West 38th streets. Expect heavy crowds—people often line up as early as 6 a.m. Macy’s provides an interactive route map with suggested viewing spots and areas to avoid.
How to watch on TV and streaming:
NBC and Peacock will stream the parade live Thanksgiving morning, with an encore broadcast on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT. Telemundo will offer a Spanish-language simulcast beginning at 8:30 a.m. Audio description for blind and visually impaired viewers will be available on NBC via the SAP (Secondary Audio Program) channel. Following the parade, NBC airs the National Dog Show at noon.
Hosts and highlights:
Hoda Kotb returns as co-host for her eighth parade, joined by Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker. Cynthia Erivo will open with a major musical number. Other performers include EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Darlene Love, Ciara, Colbie Caillat, Lil Jon and Busta Rhymes, plus appearances from several Broadway acts. The Rockettes celebrate their 100th anniversary with a special performance, and Santa closes the parade in his reindeer-drawn sleigh.
Balloons, floats and favorites:
Expect classic and new balloon characters: Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Pillsbury Doughboy and Bluey return, while newcomers include Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Shrek’s Onion Carriage and Mario. Macy’s will also bring back vintage elements like Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, the Happy Hippo and Freida the Dachshund.
Before the parade:
NBC and Peacock will air a primetime special, Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, with behind-the-scenes looks at floats, balloons and bands preparing for the big day.
What to expect:
Whether you watch in person or on TV/streaming, expect a mix of tradition and surprises: vibrant pageantry, musical variety, marching bands and the iconic balloons and floats that mark the start of the holiday season.