No fall bucket list is complete without Thanksgiving celebrations! And there’s one main event we have our eye on: the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For its 98th anniversary, Macy’s will once again welcome back its signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, marching bands, performance groups, celebrities, clowns, and of course, Santa Claus.
The tradition has been delighting audiences since its first march in 1924 — we have vintage photos from parades of years past, if you’re curious — and this year is set to be as spectacular as ever! (With 17 giant character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns and 10 performance groups, to be exact.)
Before you feast on your Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to catch the festive display — we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 28 at 8:30 am. Though last year the parade was extended an extra 30 minutes, there’s no word thus far on whether or not that’ll happen again this year.
Where is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The parade starts at West 77th Street & Central Park West and ends at Macy’s Herald Square.
What is the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The parade’s traditional 2.5-mile route, which stretches from the Upper West Side to Midtown, will have certain viewing areas throughout for the best spots to see the parade in person. Macy’s has shared designated viewing areas on their website here. They are:
- The west side of Central Park West from West 75th to West 61st Streets — early risers line up starting at 6 a.m.
- The Parade heads south onto 6th Avenue from Central Park South
- Great views from West 59th to West 38th Streets on 6th Ave.
- Note: there is no public viewing at the end at Macy’s Herald Square.
Who is performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
There will be 24 performers making their way to the NYC event, and there’s an artist everyone will love: The Temptations, Charli D’Amelio, Ariana Madix, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Coco Jones, Walker Hayes, and more.
How to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV and streamed on Peacock, Thursday, November 28, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, in all time zones. Get more info on this here.
Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
New Yorkers can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in-person along the designated route and there’s a few great spots we recommend:
- 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.
What streets will be closed for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
- Central Park West – 59th St to 86th St
- 34th Street – 5th Ave to 8th Ave
- 65th Street Transverse
- 66th Street Transverse
- 72nd Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 73rd Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 74th Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 75th Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 76th Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 77th Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 79th Street Transverse
- 81st Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 82nd Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 83rd Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 84th Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 85th Street – CPW to Columbus Ave
- 59th Street – 5th Ave to Columbus Circle
- 6th Avenue – 23rd St to 58th St
- 7th Avenue – 34th St to 42nd St
- 42nd Street – 5th Ave to 8th Ave
- 57th Street – 5th Ave to 8th Ave
- Broadway – 34th St to 42nd St
What are the new balloons in this year’s parade?
Some new balloons you can expect to see this year include Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, Marshall from PAW Patrol, and Dora. Perhaps what’s most exciting is the fact that Minnie Mouse will receive a balloon for a first time in the parade’s history, though Mickey has long been a favorite.
Chrissy Anderson, Vice President, North America Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products added, “Fans of all ages will have the chance to welcome Minnie Mouse and her signature charm as she makes her debut in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Additionally, the Bronx Zoo will debut a float in the parade, and the beloved Ellie the Elephant, New York Liberty’s mascot, is set to make a highly-anticipated appearance.
Once more info is released you’ll be able to find all of the new balloons for the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade here.
Is the Macy’s Balloon Inflation event on the day before Thanksgiving returning?
You can actually watch all the balloons being prepared the night before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 27 on the Upper West Side, though no further details have been released yet.
If I need any other info, where can I find it?
At Macys.com! In the meantime, check out these iconic vintage photos of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that date back 85 years!