So, it’s finally happening. You’ve got the turkey thawing in the fridge (hopefully), the family is descending upon your living room, and someone—usually the person who didn’t help with the stuffing—inevitably asks: "Wait, what time is the Thanksgiving parade tomorrow?"
If you're looking at the calendar and realize 2026 marks the massive 100th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you aren't just looking for a start time. You're looking for a strategy. Because this year isn't a normal "turn on the TV while the rolls are in the oven" kind of year. It is a centennial. It is going to be absolute chaos, and if you miss the window, you're basically missing a century of tradition.
What time is the Thanksgiving parade tomorrow?
Basically, you need to be ready by 8:30 a.m. ET.
For decades, we all grew up with that 9:00 a.m. start time etched into our brains. But things changed a couple of years ago. Macy’s and NBC realized that three hours of parade just wasn't enough for the modern attention span (or the massive lineup of performers), so they bumped it up.
If you tune in at 9:00 a.m. like you did back in 2020, you’ve already missed the opening Broadway numbers. You've missed the first few giant balloons. Honestly, you've missed the vibe.
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The official broadcast on NBC and Peacock runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET across all time zones. Yes, even if you’re on the West Coast, the "live" broadcast is usually tape-delayed to hit that 8:30 a.m. local slot so you aren't waking up at 5:30 a.m. to see Snoopy.
The "Real" Timeline for People in NYC
If you are actually in New York City, that 8:30 a.m. start time is a lie. Well, not a lie, but it’s irrelevant to you.
If you want a spot on the curb where you can actually see the stitching on the floats, you need to be standing on a sidewalk by 6:00 a.m. I’m not kidding. People bring blankets, thermos-bottles of coffee, and serious patience. The parade kicks off at 77th Street and Central Park West. By the time the lead marchers actually reach the end of the route at Macy’s Herald Square (34th Street), it’s usually closer to 9:30 or 10:00 a.m.
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Where to Watch (And How to Stream)
Since we’re in 2026, cable is kinda becoming a relic, but NBC still holds the keys to the kingdom. Here is the lowdown on where to find it:
- Peacock: This is the easiest way. If you have a subscription, it’s live-streamed right there. No antenna or cable login required.
- NBC App / NBC.com: You’ll need a service provider login for this one.
- Live TV Streamers: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV all carry NBC.
- Telemundo: For the Spanish-language simulcast.
The 100th Anniversary: Why 2026 is Different
The 2026 parade is the 100th March. While the parade started in 1924, they took a few years off during World War II because they needed the rubber and helium for the war effort.
Because it’s the centennial, the lineup is ridiculous. We’re talking about a mix of "Heritage" balloons—think throwbacks to the original 1920s designs—and the high-tech giants we see now. Expect a massive appearance by the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band and the University of Illinois Marching Illini.
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One thing people always get wrong: the "performance" area. If you see a Broadway cast singing their hearts out on TV, they are at the very end of the route in front of the Macy's store. Do not try to watch from there. That area is walled off for the TV cameras. If you show up there, you’ll be staring at the back of a plywood crane.
Pro Tips for the Morning of
- The Encore: If you oversleep because of a wine-induced pre-Thanksgiving haze, NBC usually runs an encore at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT.
- Data Dead Zones: If you’re at the parade in person, your cell service will likely die. 3 million people in a ten-block radius tends to melt the towers. Screenshot your meeting spots before you leave the hotel.
- Layers: It's November in New York. It’s either 50 degrees and raining or 20 degrees with a wind that cuts through your soul. Wear more socks than you think you need.
Basically, set your alarm for 8:15 a.m. tomorrow. Get the coffee started. If you aren't in front of a screen by 8:30 a.m., you're doing it wrong.
Next Steps for Your Thanksgiving Morning
- Check the Weather: If you're heading to the route, look for wind speeds; high winds can mean the balloons stay low or don't fly at all.
- Download the App: Get the Peacock or NBC app ready tonight to avoid "password panic" five minutes before kickoff.
- Route Planning: If you’re in the city, avoid the 6th Avenue stretch between 34th and 38th Streets—it’s closed for the telecast. Stick to the Upper West Side for the best views.