The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Parade: Your Complete Guide

Quick Facts: 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

• The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.

• 2026 is the 100th parade, even though the first parade was in 1924, because the parade paused for three years during World War II.

• Macy's says the 100th parade will feature a record-breaking lineup of 100 inflatable elements.

• The parade has recently followed a 2.5-mile route from 77th Street and Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street.

• Watching the parade from public sidewalks along the route is free, with no tickets required.

• The Balloon Inflation Celebration takes place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, near the American Museum of Natural History, with hours to be announced by Macy's.

• The parade airs live on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.

What's New at the 100th Macy's Parade

Macy’s is bringing back some familiar faces for its 100th parade, including one with quite the backstory. The Blue Hippopotamus floated away after the 1931 parade and was last spotted sailing past the Empire State Building. Now, it’s finally coming home. Underdog is also back after 42 years, along with Felix the Cat, who made his debut as the parade’s first character balloon in 1927.

There are some fun newcomers, too. Disney's Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey and a Joe Cool and Woodstock balloon will join the lineup, while a Macy’s All-Stars float brings together Bullwinkle, Popeye, Olive Oyl, Swee’Pea, and Sonic the Hedgehog. There’s also a tribute to Tony Sarg, the artist behind the original balloons. And Harry Potter fans, keep an eye out for Hogwarts’ Great Hall making its way through Manhattan.

Macy's Parade Route and Timing

In recent years, the parade has started at 77th Street and Central Park West, traveled south to Columbus Circle, turned onto Central Park South, and continued down Sixth Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square. Macy’s hasn’t released the official 2026 route map yet, so check the Macy’s parade page closer to Thanksgiving before choosing your spot.

An 8:30 a.m. start doesn’t mean you’ll see balloons overhead at 8:30. That depends on where you’re watching. Here’s a rough guide:

• 8:30 a.m.: The parade kicks off at 77th Street and Central Park West.

• Around 9:30 a.m.: Floats and balloons reach 59th Street and Sixth Avenue.

• Around 10 a.m. to noon: The parade makes its way through Herald Square, with Santa bringing up the rear.

Best Spots to Watch the Macy's Parade

Central Park West: The stretch from the low 70s down to Columbus Circle is the classic family pick, with wide sidewalks and Central Park as the backdrop. Early birds should aim to arrive by 6 a.m. for a front-row spot.

Sixth Avenue: Between 59th and 38th Streets, Midtown's tall buildings frame the balloons for great photos. For a prime spot, arrive no later than 7 a.m.

Where to skip: There's no public viewing at the official start area, and the grandstands along Central Park West are invite-only, with no tickets ever sold. Herald Square is the busiest part of the route, and the block in front of Macy's is set aside for the TV broadcast.

With more than 3.5 million spectators in 2025 and even bigger crowds expected for the centennial, earlier really is better. By 7:30 a.m., sidewalks are usually several people deep.

Macy's star balloons float past Radio City Music Hall at Sixth Avenue and 50th Street.

Macy's Balloon Inflation Celebration

Staying overnight turns this from a day trip The night-before tradition is half the fun. On Wednesday, November 25, crews inflate every giant balloon around the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. In 2025, it ran from 1 to 6 p.m. with entry at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue, and Macy's will confirm 2026 hours closer to the date. Go mid-afternoon, since the balloons really take shape by 2:30 or 3 p.m.

Crews prep a Macy's star balloon during the Balloon Inflation Celebration the day before Thanksgiving.

Where to Stay for the Macy's Parade

Watching the parade from a warm hotel room, coffee in hand, sounds like a pretty great Thanksgiving morning. Hotels from Columbus Circle to Sixth Avenue offer parade-view rooms and viewing packages, but these can book out months in advance.

If you haven’t already found a spot for the 100th parade, check directly with the hotels for availability or cancellations. It’s also worth starting early for the 101st parade in 2027 if this is on your bucket list.

A few hotels to look into:

• Mandarin Oriental, Columbus Circle: Offers a limited number of private-view rooms, plus a package with ballroom viewing 280 feet above the route and a two-night minimum.

• JW Marriott Essex House, Central Park South: Offers parade-view rooms and breakfast packages.

• The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park: Another option along Central Park South, with packages that may include Thanksgiving brunch or dinner.

• 1 Hotel Central Park, 58th Street and Sixth Avenue: Its 2026 Thanksgiving Parade View offer includes a $150 hotel credit, two Wollman Rink skating tickets, and a gingerbread decorating kit.

Before booking, ask exactly what you’ll be able to see and whether viewing is from your room or a shared event space. A room at a hotel along the route doesn’t automatically come with a parade view.

For a more budget-friendly trip, look for a Midtown West hotel within walking distance of Sixth Avenue and head out early to claim your spot. You’ll still get the parade experience, with a warm room waiting afterward.

A high-rise view over Sixth Avenue shows why parade-view rooms sell out fast.

Parade-Day Tips

• Dress in warm layers and wear waterproof boots, since you'll be standing outside for hours on a late November morning.

• Pack snacks, a hot drink, and a portable charger, and use the restroom before you head out.

• The parade goes on rain or shine.

• Take the subway, since crosstown traffic is heavily restricted from roughly 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Can't make it to New York? Watch live on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade never fails to impress, and this year’s 100th parade is shaping up to be one to remember!

The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and seeing it live beats any TV broadcast. Book your hotel now, catch the balloon inflation the afternoon before, and stake out your spot on Central Park West or Sixth Avenue before sunrise. Bundle up, bring a thermos, and get ready to see a century of parade magic float right over your head.

Frequently Asked Questions: 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

When is the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to about noon ET.

Why is 2026 the 100th parade if it started in 1924?

The parade paused for three years during World War II, so 2026 marks its 100th march.

Do I need tickets to watch the Macy's parade?

No. Watching from public sidewalks along the route is free. The grandstands are invite-only, and no grandstand tickets are sold.

What time should I arrive?

Aim for 6 a.m. on Central Park West or by 7 a.m. on Sixth Avenue. Sidewalks are usually several people deep by 7:30 a.m., and bigger crowds are expected for the centennial.

Where is the best place to watch the parade?

Central Park West from the low 70s to Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue between 59th and 38th Streets are the best public viewing areas. Skip the start area and the block in front of Macy's Herald Square.

When is the balloon inflation?

Wednesday, November 25, 2026, around the American Museum of Natural History. Macy's will announce exact hours closer to the date.

What new balloons are in the 100th parade?

Highlights include Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey, Joe Cool and Woodstock, and the returning Blue Hippopotamus, Underdog, and Felix the Cat, among a record 100 inflatables.

How can I watch the parade on TV?

The parade airs live on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.