The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a New York tradition since 1924, marks the official start of the holiday season, ending with Santa’s arrival at Herald Square. The 2026 parade is on Thursday, November 26, traditionally from 8:30 a.m. to about noon.
Quick Facts
| Date | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | About 8:30 a.m. – noon |
| Route | Starts at W 77th St & Central Park West, down CPW to Columbus Circle, east on Central Park South, down Sixth Ave to 34th St, ending at Macy’s Herald Square |
| Cost | Free to watch from the street |
| Balloon inflation | Wednesday, Nov 25, around the American Museum of Natural History |
Best Viewing Spots
- Central Park West (70s and 60s): the earliest stretch; arrive by 6–6:30 a.m. for the front row.
- Sixth Avenue (59th to 38th Streets): long, straight stretch with good balloon views; crowded but manageable.
- Avoid Herald Square (34th St): the performance area in front of Macy’s is reserved for TV and ticketed grandstands.
Tips
- Dress in warm layers; you may be standing outside for four or five hours. Ladders and step stools are discouraged in the crowds.
- Bathrooms are scarce; plan with a nearby café or hotel.
- Wind can ground or lower the giant balloons; check the forecast.
- After the parade, Macy’s Santaland and windows are the natural next stop (Santaland opens Nov 27).
The Night Before
Don’t miss the balloon inflation near the Museum of Natural History on Thanksgiving Eve.
A Short History
Macy’s employees staged the first parade in 1924, with floats, bands and animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. Giant character balloons replaced the animals in 1927, starting with Felix the Cat. The parade paused from 1942 to 1944 during World War II, when rubber and helium were needed for the war effort. It has been broadcast nationally on NBC for decades and ends, as always, with Santa Claus arriving at Herald Square to open the Christmas season.
What You’ll See
- Giant character balloons: the stars of the show, some several stories tall, each guided by dozens of handlers.
- Floats: elaborate floats carrying performers and celebrities.
- Marching bands: high school and college bands selected from across the country.
- Performance groups and clowns: dance teams, cheer squads and hundreds of volunteer clowns.
- Santa Claus: the final float, signaling the start of the holiday season.
Parade-Day Timeline
- 5:30–6:30 a.m.: arrive to claim a front-row spot on Central Park West.
- 8:30 a.m.: the parade steps off from West 77th Street.
- About 9:00–9:30 a.m.: the front of the parade reaches Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue.
- Around noon: Santa arrives at Herald Square and the parade ends.
Lower on the route, things reach you later, so families on Sixth Avenue in the 40s can arrive a little later than those near the start.
What to Bring
- Warm layers, hats and gloves; late November mornings are often near freezing.
- Hand warmers and a thermos of something hot.
- Snacks and water (avoid large bags and coolers; security screening may be in place).
- A fully charged phone and a meeting point in case your group gets separated.
Getting There and Away
Streets along the route close early and the subway is the only practical way in. For Central Park West, take the B or C to 72 St, 81 St or 86 St. For Sixth Avenue, use the B, D, F or M to 42 St–Bryant Park or 47–50 Sts. Expect crowded trains after the parade; many families walk to a station a few blocks away from the route.
Watching With Kids
Young children enjoy the parade most in short bursts. Consider a spot near the end of the route, where you can arrive later, or watch the start and then retreat to a warm café. Restrooms are scarce, so plan breaks before you settle in. For the night before, the balloon inflation is a calmer way for little ones to see the balloons up close.
After the Parade
The day after Thanksgiving, Macy’s Santaland opens at Herald Square. The holiday season is now in full swing: see our complete guide for everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026, about 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Where is the best place to watch the Macy’s parade?
Central Park West in the 60s and 70s or Sixth Avenue between 59th and 38th Streets. Arrive by 6:30 a.m.
What time does the Macy’s parade start?
The parade typically steps off at 8:30 a.m. and ends around noon at Herald Square.
When did the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The first parade was held in 1924. Giant balloons were introduced in 1927.
Can I get tickets to the Macy’s parade?
Watching from the street is free. Grandstand seating at Herald Square is not sold to the public.
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