Thanksgiving is a day rich in traditions. Families gather to enjoy a feast that rarely changes from year to year. Football fans tune in to watch the Detroit Lions play—a game that’s as much a part of the holiday as the turkey itself. And in many households, the day begins with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
For 98 years, Macy’s has been bringing joy to millions on Thanksgiving morning. The parade celebrates the holiday and marks the official start of the Christmas shopping season when Santa Claus arrives at the end of the festivities. Along the parade route, spectators are treated to a feast for the eyes: giant balloons, elaborate floats, talented singers, energetic marching bands, and performances from Broadway’s best.
This year’s parade promises to uphold these cherished traditions while introducing new elements to keep things fresh and exciting.
When Does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Begin?
The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off on Thanksgiving Day, which falls on November 28 this year. The parade starts bright and early at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
If you’re not an early riser or have other commitments in the morning, don’t worry. The parade will be re-broadcast starting at 2:00 p.m. ET. This allows viewers on the West Coast or those who missed the morning festivities to catch all the excitement.
The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route
The parade begins at West 77th Street & Central Park West in New York City. It commences at 8:30 a.m. ET and winds its way down to end at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street around 12:00 p.m. ET.
Also Read
There are 2.5 miles of designated public viewing areas along the parade route. Spectators looking to secure the best spots are advised to arrive as early as 6:00 a.m. ET. Early arrival ensures a front-row experience to witness the larger-than-life balloons and performances up close.
Where is the best place to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade?
People can only watch from specific areas along the 2.5-mile route. Many spectators try to get a good viewing spot by arriving as early as 6 a.m. The best places to watch are usually along Central Park West.
- Central Park West: This stretch offers great views from West 75th to West 61st Streets. It’s one of the most popular areas for spectators due to its wide-open spaces and the backdrop of Central Park. Note that there is no public viewing on Central Park West between West 59th & West 60th Streets.
- 6th Avenue: For those who want to be closer to the parade’s end, the area from West 59th to West 38th Street is ideal. This section allows spectators to see the floats and balloons as they approach Macy’s Herald Square. However, it’s recommended to avoid the area on 6th Avenue between West 34th and West 38th Streets, as viewing is limited.
If you’re going to the parade in person, getting ready for the weather is important. The weather forecast for Thursday in New York City predicts rain. Bring a poncho or clothes that keep you dry and cozy during the event. Remember that umbrellas are usually not a good idea in crowded places because they can block people’s views and bother others.
How to Watch the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from Home?
The parade will be broadcast live on NBC from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. For those who prefer streaming, the event will also be simulcast on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. The encore presentation on NBC at 2:00 p.m. ET provides another opportunity to enjoy the parade.
Since NBC broadcasts over the air, you can watch the parade for free using a good HD antenna. To ensure the best possible reception, it’s advisable to test your antenna in multiple locations around your home before the parade starts.
Who Is Performing This Year?
The parade is renowned for its star-studded lineup; this year is no exception. The event will feature:
- 28 Entertainers: Including world-famous singers, actors, and performers.
- 11 Musical Marching Bands: Showcasing talented musicians nationwide.
- 28 Clown Crews: Bringing joy and laughter to spectators of all ages.
- 11 Performance Groups: Featuring dancers, cultural ensembles, and more.
Notable Performers
- Jennifer Hudson: The Oscar-winning singer and actress known for her powerful vocals.
- Lea Salonga: Celebrated Broadway star and the singing voice of Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan.
- T-Pain: Grammy-winning rapper and singer with hits that span over a decade.
- **Rachel Platten is best known for her inspirational song “Fight Song.”
- Idina Menzel: Broadway legend and the voice behind “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen.”
- Dan + Shay: The country music duo with multiple chart-topping hits.
- The Temptations: Legendary Motown group bringing classic soul to the parade.
- Charli D’Amelio: TikTok sensation and dancer making waves in the entertainment industry.
- Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia: Principal New York City Ballet dancers.
In addition to these performers, members of the WNBA champions, the New York Liberty will make appearances, accompanied by their mascot, Ellie the Elephant.
The parade also brings the magic of Broadway to the streets. Performances from the casts of hit musicals will add theatrical flair to the festivities. This year’s lineup includes:
- “Death Becomes Her”
- “Hell’s Kitchen”
- “The Outsiders”
These performances offer a glimpse into the best of Broadway, enticing spectators to experience the full shows.
Santa Claus at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
No Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade would be complete without the arrival of Santa Claus. Riding on his famous sleigh—the largest float in the parade—Santa’s appearance signals the official start of the holiday season. His sleigh is an impressive 60 feet long, 22 feet wide, and stands 3.5 stories tall. The float is a spectacle in itself, adorned with festive decorations and accompanied by cheerful elves.
What’s New This Year?
The parade continually evolves, introducing new elements to delight audiences.
New Giant Balloons
Six new giant character balloons will make their debut:
- Minnie Mouse: Adding Disney magic to the skies.
- Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf: Bringing the popular holiday character to life.
- Spider-Man: An all-new balloon inspired by comic book artist John Romita Sr.‘s classic depiction of the superhero.
These balloons join the ranks of fan favorites like Snoopy, Pikachu, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
New Floats
Six new floats will grace the parade route:
- “Candy Cosmos” by Haribo: A sweet-themed float featuring giant gummy bears and candy planets.
- “Pasta Knight” by Rao’s Homemade: Celebrating Italian cuisine with a knight made of pasta.
- “Wondrous World of Wildlife” by The Bronx Zoo: Showcasing animals and beloved exhibits from the famous zoo.
- “Wednesday’s Feast” by Netflix: Featuring a likeness of Jenna Ortega from the hit show “Wednesday,” complete with gothic-inspired decorations.
These floats add creativity and contemporary culture to the parade, engaging audiences of all ages.
New Balloonicles
Three new “Balloonicles” will join the procession. Balloonicles are smaller balloons attached to vehicles that navigate the parade route:
- Designed to complement the larger balloons, they add variety and charm to the spectacle.
- Often feature characters or themes that are timely and relevant.
Tips for Spectators Attending the Parade
If you’re planning to experience the parade in person, here are some helpful tips:
- Arrive Early: To secure a good viewing spot, aim to arrive by 6:00 a.m. ET.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear layers and waterproof clothing due to the forecasted rain.
- Bring Essentials: Pack snacks, water, and portable phone chargers.
- Know the Schedule: Familiarize yourself with the parade route and timing to plan your day effectively.
- Public Transportation: Use public transit to avoid traffic and parking challenges.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a parade; it’s a beloved tradition that brings happiness to many people. Since it first started in 1924, the parade has become bigger and more exciting each year. It has gone through ups and downs, including being paused during World War II, yet it continues to change.
This event brings everyone together, allowing people from all backgrounds to celebrate as one. The parade is full of creativity, showcasing beautifully decorated floats, giant balloons, and performances featuring various talents.
The parade will bring joy and excitement whether watching it from home or experiencing it live in New York City.
The event honors its roots this year while adding new and fun elements. Kicking off at 8:30 a.m. ET and culminating with a special appearance by Santa Claus, the parade promises to create unforgettable moments.
So, set your alarms, gather your family and friends, and prepare for one of the most famous holiday events. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is not just a display of floats and balloons; it’s a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and the start of the holiday season.
