You've probably seen the grainy black-and-white footage of lions and tigers from the Central Park Zoo walking down the street in 1924. It’s wild to think about now, but that was the humble, slightly chaotic start of what we now call the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fast forward to 2026, and we aren't just looking at another holiday event; we’re looking at the big 100. The centennial.
Honestly, if you're planning to watch, the "when" is just as important as the "where." Getting the timing wrong in New York City means you’re either staring at the back of a 6-foot-tall stranger’s head or missing the Snoopy balloon entirely because of a subway delay.
What Time is Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2026?
The short answer: 8:30 a.m. EST. The 100th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off officially at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 26, 2026. If you are watching on TV, the broadcast runs until noon. This 8:30 start time became the new standard recently, moving up from the traditional 9:00 a.m. slot to squeeze in even more performances for the national audience.
But here’s the thing. If you’re actually standing on a curb in Manhattan, "8:30 a.m." is a bit of a lie. That’s when the first ribbon is cut at 77th Street and Central Park West. If you’re down by Bryant Park or Herald Square, the action won't reach you for quite a while.
The march takes time. It’s a 2.5-mile crawl.
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Typically, the lead floats don't hit 6th Avenue and 59th Street until about 9:00 a.m. or 9:15 a.m. By the time Santa Claus—the undisputed closer of the show—reaches the Macy’s front doors at 34th Street, it’s usually right around 11:55 a.m.
Why the 100th March Matters
This isn't just another year of giant inflatable characters. Because it’s the 100th anniversary, organizers are digging deep into the archives. We are expecting a mix of "vintage" reimagined balloons—think classic 1920s-style designs—alongside the high-tech versions we see today.
NBC and Peacock are handling the broadcast again. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker are slated to return, though Al is the one who’s really the soul of the sidewalk coverage. If you miss the morning show, there is usually an encore telecast at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT, but let’s be real, watching a parade on tape delay feels a bit like eating leftovers before the actual meal.
The Timeline for In-Person Spectators
If you want a front-row seat, forget 8:30 a.m. You need to be there way earlier.
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Most "pros" arrive by 6:00 a.m. Some even show up at 5:00 a.m. with folding chairs and thermoses full of coffee that will inevitably go cold.
The NYPD starts closing off streets long before the first tuba player warms up. By 7:00 a.m., the prime spots along Central Park West are usually three or four people deep. If you roll up at 8:15 a.m. thinking you’ll find a gap, you’re basically going to be looking at the parade through the screen of the person’s phone in front of you.
Best Viewing Spots and Their Arrival Times
- Central Park West (75th to 61st St): This is the "early" section. Since the parade starts here, it finishes here first. If you bag a spot here, you might be done and heading to brunch by 10:30 a.m.
- Columbus Circle: Great views because of the curve, but it’s a wind tunnel. If it’s a breezy day, those balloons get low and shaky here.
- 6th Avenue (59th to 38th St): This is the long haul. There is plenty of room, but it’s also where the crowds are most dense.
- Herald Square: Forget it. Unless you have a grandstand ticket—which Macy's does not sell to the general public (they are for employees and guests)—you won’t see the performances. This area is locked down for the TV cameras.
Don't Forget the Night Before
Kinda a pro tip here: the "what time" question actually starts on Wednesday.
The Balloon Inflation event happens on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, usually from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. outside the American Museum of Natural History. It’s actually more fun than the parade for some people. You get to see the characters lying on the ground under massive nets like sleeping giants.
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It gets crowded. Fast. If you go, try to get there around 1:00 p.m. before the after-work crowd descends.
Practical Survival Guide for the 100th Parade
Listen, NYC in late November is unpredictable. It’s either 50 degrees and lovely or 28 degrees with a wind that feels like it’s cutting through your soul.
- Layers are everything. Wear more than you think. You’re standing still for four hours. The cold seeps up from the concrete into your boots.
- Bathroom plan. This is the biggest issue. There are no portable toilets along the route. Once you leave your spot to find a Starbucks, you aren't getting that spot back.
- The "No" List. No large bags. No umbrellas (they block views and are a safety hazard). No strollers if you can help it—they are a nightmare in those crowds.
The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is going to be a logistical beast. With more than 3.5 million people expected to line the streets, the city will be at a standstill.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Route: Confirm if there are any last-minute NYPD diversions. While the route usually stays the same (Central Park West to 6th Ave to 34th St), construction sometimes forces a one-block shift.
- Book Early: If you're looking for a "Parade View" hotel room at the Warwick or the New York Hilton Midtown, you should have booked it six months ago. If not, check for cancellations now.
- Download the App: Macy's usually updates its official parade app a few weeks before the event with the full lineup of floats and performers.
If you're watching from home, just make sure the coffee is ready by 8:25 a.m. The 100th anniversary is likely to start with a massive opening number that you won't want to miss.