How to Watch the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

As the turkey thaws and a day of cooking prep begins, an equally integral Thanksgiving tradition is Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Last year, 3.5 million spectators lined New York City’s streets to watch the procession of vibrant balloons and whimsical floats bob and weave through Midtown Manhattan to the beats of countless marching bands and celebrity performers. Beyond the city, a record-setting 34.3 million tuned into the NBC and Peacock broadcast, making the Emmy-winning production the year’s most-watched entertainment telecast. This year's promises to be even grander, as 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the spectacle, which started in 1924 (though it wasn’t held from 1942 to 1944 because parade materials were reserved for wartime efforts).“As a kid from the Bronx, it is an honor to bring this cherished tradition…to the city of New York every year,” the parade’s executive producer since 2021 Will Coss tells Condé Nast Traveler. The annual highlight for him is seeing the joyful expressions of spectators of all ages as the parade passes them by “showcasing some of the most iconic and recognizable pop culture characters and figures.”This year marks the 99th anniversary of the Macy's Parade, an annual Thanksgiving tradition. Ralph Bavaro/NBCOn the eve of the parade's centennial, the team—composed of painters, carpenters, animators, sculptures, welders, designers, engineers, and electricians—is honoring its past by way of revived classics like Felix the Cat and Underdog balloons. Ardent fans will also find a swath of newcomers that include a Fantasia-inspired Mickey, cowboy Minion, and a Peanuts duo. “The team at Macy’s Studios works year-round to make this historic parade bigger and better for our audiences every year,” Coss says. Here’s everything you need to know about the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2026—all its surprises, delights, and familiar joys.How did the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?When Macy’s first debuted its one-million-square foot New York City flagship store at 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenues in 1924, the retailer threw a Christmas parade on Thanksgiving morning to boost holiday sales—with a much longer route starting at 145 Street and Covent Avenue. Balloons joined the lineup in 1927, starting with Felix the Cat, and the festivities were first broadcast nationally in 1947.What is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s route now?These days, the festive parade follows a 2.5-mile path from the Upper East Side to Midtown Manhattan. Starting at the corner of 77th Street and Central Park West, the route heads south to Columbus Circle and then turns east, heading along 59th Street to Sixth Avenue. From there, it goes straight down Sixth Avenue to 34th Street, ending in front of Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.Clifford the Big Red Dog in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. GettyWhat’s the best way to see the parade in person?Coss recommends arriving early for a great view. Many spectators start to gather as early as 6 a.m. along the beginning of the route on Central Park West (approach from the west) from 61st to 75th Streets. Other prime spots include the south side of 59th Street between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue and the entire stretch of Sixth Avenue between 38th and 59th. Spectators should be aware there is no viewing on Central Park West between 59th and 60th Streets, or anywhere south of 38th Street.Coss also reminds those bringing children to dress warmly for the chilly weather and to be prepared to entertain young ones for a few hours while waiting to spot the first float. He suggests avoiding strollers, large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas.What’s on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026 lineup?In celebration of its centennial, some 100 inflatables will fly. Returning after decades are much-anticipated Felix the Cat (the parade's first character balloon, introduced in 1927) and Blue Hippopotamus (from the 1931 parade), while Hello Kitty and Underdog (who appeared in every parade from 1965 through 1984) will also make cameos. New to the scene are Bluey, Buckaroo Bob the Minion, and Snoopy persona Joe Cool with Woodstock, among others. The procession will also welcome 52 floats, 31 clown crews, nine specialty units (such as trycaloons, or balloons ridden on tricycles), seven marching bands, and five balloonicles (that’s a balloon-vehicle hybrid).TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker will host the live broadcast of the 100th Macy’s Parade. Though this year's performance lineup has yet to be announced, the 2025 roster featured 26 celebrity performers, ranging from Colbie Caillat and Christopher Jackson to Foreigner and Taylor Momsen, complete with a performance by KPop Demon Hunters’ HUNTR/X singing voices EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. As anticipation for the parade's centennial only increases, Coss says this year will “bring new surprises and delights to the iconic holiday tradition and truly celebrate this incredibly special anniversary.”For some, the majestic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an official marker of the transition into the Christmas season in New York City. Peter Kramer/NBCHow can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV?Americans can watch the live telecast on both NBC and Peacock on Thursday, November 26, from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones, while Telemundo will air a Spanish-language simulcast hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow. For late risers, an encore will air starting at 2 p.m. ET/PT, and the full broadcast will also be on NBC with live audio description on Secondary Audio Program channel (SAP). Behind-the-scenes footage will be shared on social media @macys and #MacysParade via Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.To rev up for the turkey day excitement, “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” will air on Wednesday, November 25, on NBC and Peacock. The primetime special will broadcast live from the parade starting line with exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes stories from the balloons and floats.How else can I experience the Thanksgiving Day Parade excitement?One of the most underrated—and free—ways to experience the parade is by attending the Thanksgiving Eve balloon inflating event on Wednesday, November 25, a “time-honored tradition and special peek into the parade celebrations,” Coss says. Since 1994, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade has invited guests to see the process the balloons undergo to reach their larger-than-life size and scale the afternoon before Thanksgiving. Last year’s took place between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., with the line opening at noon.Those interested can enter at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue, where they’ll be guided through a security checkpoint and then can roam between West 77th and 81st Streets to view the balloons. Note that prohibited items include bags or backpacks larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches, lawn chairs, large coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs, weapons, drones, pets, and umbrellas; participants will be screened before entering the route.Where can I get more information on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade?For the latest up-to-date information, visit macys.com/parade for details on the parade and nbc.com/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade for updates on the broadcast.