The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches through Manhattan on Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to about noon ET. It airs on NBC and streams on Peacock. Here’s how to watch on TV or in person.
Macy’s Parade 2026 at a glance
| Date | Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day) |
| Time | 8:30 a.m. – about 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC (airs from 8:30 a.m. local time; check local listings) |
| Streaming | Peacock |
| Milestone | The 100th parade (first held in 1924) |
| Route length | About 2.5 miles |
Parade route
- Starts at 77th Street and Central Park West.
- Heads south along Central Park West to Columbus Circle.
- Turns onto Sixth Avenue and continues south.
- Ends at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street.
The Herald Square performance area (34th Street) is reserved for the broadcast and is closed to the public.
Best places to watch in person
- Central Park West (roughly 75th–61st Streets): the first stretch, where balloons appear early.
- Sixth Avenue (roughly 59th–38th Streets): long viewing stretch with more room.
- Arrive by about 6–6:30 a.m. for a front spot; dress warmly and bring snacks.
- Bathrooms are limited — plan ahead with nearby cafés.
- Use the subway; streets near the route close early.
Balloon inflation (Wednesday, November 25)
The day before the parade, the giant balloons are inflated near the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. It’s a popular free event for families — expect crowds and security lines, and check Macy’s official parade site for hours and entry.
How to watch the parade on TV or online
- NBC: broadcast or a digital antenna.
- Peacock: live stream.
- Live-TV streaming services that carry your local NBC station.
100 years of the Macy’s Parade
- The first parade in 1924 featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo.
- Giant character balloons debuted in 1927.
- The parade paused during World War II (1942–1944) — which is why the 100th parade falls in 2026.
- About 3.5 million people are expected to line the route.
After the parade: NFL Thanksgiving games, our turkey cooking chart and Thanksgiving games.
FAQ
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start in 2026?
8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 26, 2026, ending around noon.
What channel is the Macy’s parade on?
NBC, with streaming on Peacock.
Is 2026 the 100th Macy’s parade?
Yes. The parade began in 1924 and skipped 1942–1944, so 2026 is the 100th.
