The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is basically the Super Bowl of giant balloons and awkward lip-syncing. Honestly, if you aren't parked in front of a TV or standing on a freezing Manhattan sidewalk by a certain hour, you’ve already missed the best part.
So, let’s get straight to it. What time does the macys parade start? For the 2026 centennial celebration—and yes, it is the big 100th anniversary this year—the parade officially kicks off at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Don't let your brain default to the old 9:00 a.m. start time. They changed it a couple of years back to squeeze in more Broadway numbers and more commercials, and they aren't looking back. If you tune in at 9:00, you’ve already missed the opening show-stopper and probably at least two high-profile floats.
When to Actually Watch (and Why the 8:30 Start Matters)
The official 8:30 a.m. start time is when the cameras start rolling and the first whistle blows at West 77th Street and Central Park West. But here’s the thing: "starting" is a relative term depending on where you are.
If you’re watching on NBC or streaming on Peacock, 8:30 a.m. is your hard deadline.
If you are physically in New York City? Well, that's a whole different animal. The parade is a 2.5-mile slow crawl. While the front of the line is moving at 8:30, the folks waiting at Herald Square (34th Street) won't see a single balloon for a long time.
The Real Schedule for 2026
- 6:00 a.m.: This is when the "die-hards" arrive at the curb. If you want a front-row view on Central Park West, you’re basically eating breakfast in the dark.
- 8:30 a.m.: The official start. The ribbon is cut. The first marching band starts the trek.
- 9:30 a.m.: The parade usually reaches 6th Avenue.
- 12:00 p.m.: Santa Claus arrives at Macy's. The show ends.
Wait. Why is 2026 so special?
Because it's the 100th parade. Technically, the first one was in 1924, but they took a break for World War II (1942–1944) because they needed the rubber from the balloons for the war effort. This year is the massive, century-mark blowout. Expect the 8:30 a.m. start to be even more packed with "legacy" balloons that haven't been seen in decades.
What Time Does the Macys Parade Start for In-Person Viewers?
If you're planning to stand on the street, "start time" is a lie.
You need to be in place by 7:00 a.m. at the absolute latest if you want to see anything other than the back of a stranger’s parka. The NYPD starts closing off blocks early. If you show up at 8:30 a.m. thinking you'll just "catch the start," you’ll be stuck three blocks away behind a wall of people.
There is no public viewing at the actual start line (77th St). The public can start watching from 75th Street down to 61st Street along Central Park West.
Expert Tip: Avoid the area between 34th and 38th Streets. That’s the "telecast zone." It’s where they film the Broadway performances, and it’s usually closed to the general public or so crowded with cameras and grandstands that you won’t see a thing.
Where to Watch if You Can't Make the 8:30 Kickoff
Maybe you overslept. It happens. The turkey was in the oven, the coffee didn't brew, or you just value sleep.
NBC typically runs an "encore" presentation immediately following the live broadcast. Usually, this starts around 2:00 p.m. ET. It’s the exact same footage, just recorded.
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If you're on the West Coast, the 8:30 a.m. start is usually tape-delayed to 8:30 a.m. PT so you don't have to wake up at 5:30 in the morning to see Snoopy. However, if you use the Peacock app, you can often watch the live East Coast feed if you really want to experience the 8:30 a.m. ET start in real-time.
Watching the Night Before
If the 8:30 a.m. start time is too early for you, the "Balloon Inflation" is the best-kept secret. On Wednesday, November 25, 2026, you can head to the American Museum of Natural History between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
You get to see the characters come to life on the ground. It’s arguably cooler than the parade itself because you’re five feet away from a giant Pikachu instead of five blocks away.
2026 Centennial Highlights to Look For
Since it's the 100th parade, the lineup is going to be absurd.
We’re hearing rumors of "throwback" balloons—think Felix the Cat (the first-ever balloon from 1927) or classic 1960s Snoopy designs. Usually, there are about 25 to 30 giant balloons, but for the centennial, Macy’s has hinted at a larger-than-life roster.
- The Broadway Open: The first hour (8:30–9:30) is heavy on musical theater.
- The Middle Stretch: This is when the big-name pop stars (think Ciara, Foreigner, or whoever is topping the charts this November) appear on the floats.
- The Finale: Santa always closes the show. If you see the reindeer, it's time to go start the mashed potatoes.
Actionable Steps for Your Thanksgiving Morning
If you want to master the 2026 parade, do these three things:
- Check the Weather on Wednesday Night: A blustery New York day can ground the balloons. If sustained winds are over 23 mph or gusts exceed 34 mph, the big balloons don't fly. They'll still have the floats and bands, but the "stars" stay in the warehouse.
- Download the Peacock App: Even if you have cable, the app sometimes offers multi-view angles where you can see the "Balloon Cam" or specific floats without the announcers talking over them.
- Set Your Alarm for 8:15 a.m.: Give yourself 15 minutes to handle the inevitable "where is the remote" crisis and get the stream running so you’re ready for the 8:30 a.m. sharp start.
The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a literal once-in-a-century event. Missing the start means missing the momentum of the world's biggest holiday party. Plan for 8:30 a.m., but aim for 8:15.