Date and time
This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is on Thursday, November 26, 2026. The parade traditionally runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon Eastern Time in Manhattan, broadcast nationally on NBC and streaming on Peacock. The exact route and lineup are announced by Macy's in the weeks before, so check their official site for this year's details.
Watching at home
On the West Coast it starts at 5:30 a.m., so most people there watch the replay or catch the tail end. It's a classic background show while you start cooking: the turkey should go in the oven while the balloons are going by if you want to eat mid-afternoon.
Going in person
Crowds are huge. People who want a front spot along Central Park West arrive around 6 a.m. or even earlier. Dress in layers, bring a folding stool if allowed, and plan a bathroom strategy, because public restrooms are rare. The night before, the balloon inflation near the American Museum of Natural History is a fun, less crowded alternative.
Balloons and the weather
Giant balloons can be flown lower or grounded if winds are strong, a rule put in place after accidents in the 1990s. If it's windy, expect changes on the day.
Related
See the Thanksgiving countdown, weeks until Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2026.