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The countdown is on for the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will bring 22 balloons, 33 floats, 7 balloonicles, 11 marching bands, 28 clown crews and performers galore to the streets of Manhattan.
The parade kicks off at 8:30am and runs until noon on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. Whether you're lining up early to get a prime viewing spot or watching at home in your pajamas, here's everything you need to know about this iconic American event.
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Where is the Thanksgiving parade in New York?
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes over Manhattan on the holiday. It starts at 77th St and Central Park West and heads down to 34th Street to Macy's Herald Square.
Do you need tickets for Macy’s Thanksgiving parade?
Nope! It's free and open to the public. Just be prepared to show up early to claim a spot along the parade route.
Where to watch the parade in NYC
There are 2.5 miles of public viewing. It kicks off at West 77th Street & Central Park West and flows down Central Park West before winding around Columbus Circle and onto Central Park South and Sixth Avenue. Finally, it files down Sixth Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square. Here's the full route.
Keep in mind that there are some closures to public viewing. For example, there's no public viewing on Central Park West between West 59th & West 60th Streets, nor at West 77th Street & Central Park West.
Also, heads up that there will be street closures throughout the city to be aware of as you're navigating around town. Here's the full list of street closures (the TL;DR: if you're in midtown, take the subway or walk!)
How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on TV
If you'd rather watch in the comfort of your own home, tune into NBC live from 8:30am to noon, watch it live on NBC, or stream it on Peacock.
What's the weather forecast for the parade?
As of now, it looks like there may be rain on our parade—literally. Accuweather forecasts a rainy morning with temperatures at about 45 degrees (and a real-feel of 34, yikes!). Be sure to bundle up and bring a rain jacket if you're watching the parade in-person.
Who is performing during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Expect Broadway performances, pop performances, 11 marching bands, 28 clown crews, four performance groups and more. This year's performers include Charli D’Amelio, Dan + Shay, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Coco Jones, Liza Colón-Zayas, The Temptations, T-Pain, and the New York Liberty with Ellie the Elephant! Here's the full lineup of performers.
What are the new balloons in the Macy's parade?
Expect to see 22 balloons, 33 floats, and 7 balloonicles.
New this year are Minnie Mouse, arctic fox Noorah and Scout Elf, a Bronx Zoo float celebrating 125 years of the zoo, and a Rao's Homemade float with a Pasta Knight who carries a cheese grater as a shield. A few notable returning balloons include the Spider-Man balloon, Dora the Explorer (back for the first time in 15 years), and Dragon Ball hero Goku with a new look this year.
They'll join character balloons from PAW Patrol, SpongeBob, Minions, Pokemon, and Bluey, along with Beagle Scout Snoopy, Ronald McDonald, the Pillsbury Doughboy, and more.