After the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade had to go through some changes during Covid–in 2020 the parade was mostly virtual, the route shortened to only a block, and it was taped ahead of time rather than being aired LIVE–it returned to most of its former glory last year.
This year, thankfully, we can expect the same!
For its 96th anniversary, Macy’s will welcome back its signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, marching bands, performance groups, celebrities, clowns, and of course, Santa Claus.
“Since its first march in 1924 and through the decades, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has served to bring joy to the millions who gather nationwide each year to experience it with friends and family,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “This November, as we once again set the stage for the start of the holiday season, we are thrilled to showcase another spectacle full of magic and wonder that will help create everlasting memories with loved ones during this special time of year.”
Here’s everything you need to know:
When and where does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade take place?
The 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 24 at 9 a.m. kicking off at West 77th Street & Central Park West and ending at Macy’s Herald Square.
How do I see it in person?
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 can I expect to see there?
The season’s biggest stage for entertainment will feature performances and appearances from:
- Paula Abdul
- Big Time Rush
- Cam
- Jordan Davis
- Blue’s Clues & You! host Josh Dela Cruz
- Broadway’s A Beautiful Noise, Some Like It Hot, and Disney’s The Lion King
- Gloria, Sasha and Emily Estefan
- Jimmy Fallon & The Roots
- Fitz and the Tantrums
- Kirk Franklin
- Mario Lopez and family
- Ziggy Marley
- Lea Michele and the cast of Broadway’s Funny Girl
- Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles
- The cast and Muppets of Sesame Street
- Sean Paul
- The cast of Peacock’s Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin (Adam Devine, Sarah Hyland and Flula Borg)
- The Radio City Rockettes
- Joss Stone
- Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
- Jordin Sparks
- Dionne Warwick
- Betty Who
Are vaccinations and face coverings required?
There’s no specific information regarding vaccinations and face masks for this year’s parade. However, their policy for last year did not require a vaccination or face covering for the general public to view the outdoor event. They stated that face masks were encouraged, though, and all volunteer participants and staff would be vaccinated and wearing masks.
How can I watch it from home?
The 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV and streamed on Peacock, Thursday, November 24, 2022 from 9 a.m. to noon, in all time zones.
What about the balloon inflation?
You can actually watch all the balloons being prepared the night before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, Nov. 23 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!