The annual Thanksgiving spectacle is set to return in just about a week, as The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to march down NYC streets on November 28th! Synonymous with Thanksgiving morning for millions of Americans, this year’s parade is set to be larger than ever…featuring the arrival of brand new balloons and floats like Minnie Mouse, a Bronx Zoo float, and so much more.
Whether you’re going to watch the live broadcast or attend in-person, we’ve got all the details on how to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year:
What time is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to begin at 8:30 am and end at noon.
What channel is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on?
The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be broadcasted live on NBC (Channel 4 in NYC) starting at 8:30 am.
Can I livestream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Yes! The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be live streaming on multiple platforms this year, with the easiest option being Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. The streaming service is actually set to host pre-parade coverage as well before it kicks off at 8:30 am!
If you don’t have Peacock, you will need a streaming service that includes NBC to watch it live, with some of them being:
- YouTube TV
- DIRECTV STREAM
- Hulu + Live TV
- Fubo
- Sling TV
Who is performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Performers at this year’s parade include:
- Bishop Briggs
- Kylie Cantrall
- Chlöe
- Dan + Shay
- Dasha
- “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” host Jimmy Fallon and the show’s house band, The Roots
- Coco Jones
- Walker Hayes
- Ariana Madix
- Joey McIntyre
- Idina Menzel
- Natti Natasha
- T-Pain
- Rachel Platten
- Lea Salonga
- The Temptations
- The War and Treaty
- Alex Warren
- Sebastián Yatra
NBC’s “Today” show cast is once again set to host the 2024 edition of the parade, with a cast including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.
How to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person is something we recommend everyone do at least once! It’s completely free to view along the street, and we have some tips on if you choose to attend:
The best places to watch the parade in person
- Central Park West (Between 61st and 75th Streets): Beginning of the parade route, highly recommended to show up early (6 am) to get a good spot.
- Columbus Circle: Limited street-level viewing, but The Shops at Columbus Circle and certain hotels offer elevated view.
- 6th Avenue (Between 59th and 38th Streets): Middle of parade, wide sidewalks and easy to see.
- Bryant Park (6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets): Good views, right near Bryant Park Winter Village for food and drink.
Tips for watching the parade in person
- Go early!: Over 2.5 million people go to watch the parade live each year, so going early to get a spot is highly recommended. We usually say to aim around 6 am.
- Dress warm: It usually gets chilly on Thanksgiving Day so come prepared with a warm outfit!
- Pack snacks and coffee: You may be standing awhile so be sure to pack snacks and warm drinks to keep you fueled.
Can you watch Macy’s parade from a hotel room?
Yes! There are plenty of hotels along the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Route that offer elevated viewing packages of the festivities. You should book quickly though because these tend to book up fast. Some of our favorites include the Mandarin Oriental, Warwick New York, and more.