Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
In 2026, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will celebrate its 100th anniversary, marking a century of giant balloons, spectacular floats, marching bands and holiday tradition in New York City. Since the first parade in 1924, the event has grown into one of the country’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, bringing millions of spectators to Manhattan and audiences around the world together each year. The milestone celebration will honor the parade’s history while introducing new balloons, floats and performances for its next century.
What to expect at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The parade takes place over 2.5 miles. Along the way performers, floats, balloons, characters, marching bands, celebrities, dancers and so much more make their way down the streets.
Lineup for the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is bringing 100 inflatables to the streets of New York City, including new balloons like Billie Brightpaw, Joe Cool & Woodstock, Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey, Mario, Dora, Goku and KPop Demon Hunters: Derpy Tiger. Returning favorites include Spider-Man, Pikachu & Eevee, SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary, The Pillsbury Doughboy, Buzz Lightyear and more.
More than 30 floats and balloonicles will make their way through Manhattan, including new creations like Hogwarts Holiday, Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest, Magic Meets the Seas, Tony Sarg’s Amazing Marionettes and The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder. Returning favorites include the 1-2-3 Sesame Street float, Santa’s Sleigh, Tom Turkey and more.
The parade will also feature marching bands from across the country, including the University of Alabama “Million Dollar Band,” the University of Connecticut Marching Band, Nā Koa Ali’i Hawai’i All-State Marching Band, Dobyns-Bennett High School Marching Band and more.
The 100th celebration will also include dozens of clowns, specialty units and other performers as the parade makes its way through Manhattan before concluding at Macy’s Herald Square.
View the full 2026 parade lineup here.
Where can you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Along the route there are several areas for public viewing but keep in mind there are certain areas with no public viewing including on Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets, Columbus Circle, and at Macy’s Herald Square. Additionally, viewing is limited on 6th Avenue between West 34th and West 38th Streets and on West 34 Street between 6th and 7th avenues because of national television broadcasts.
Parade viewers should plan to arrive as early as 6 am on the day of the parade and begin lining up along the west side of the street on Central Park West. The Parade runs here from around 9:00 am until 10:30 am. By around 9:30 am, the parade will begin arriving further down the route on 6th Avenue.
Take Amtrak to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
For Directions to Moynihan Train Hall click the button below.
Experience the parade via Amtrak to the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station. Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount! The parade route is a quick walk from Penn Station.
Attractions & Things to Do in New York City
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Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all New York City has to offer. Take a look at these great hotel options—some offering exclusive New York By Rail discounts!
