It’s always the best way to kick off a Thanksgiving celebration.
This year marks the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the city is set for a spectacle featuring 34 giant balloons, four mini‑balloons, 28 themed floats, 33 clown ensembles, and 11 marching bands. The parade will line the Big Apple’s streets in a display that has earned more than 50 million viewers annually. James Keivom credited the tradition for its enduring appeal.
A new season of performers, balloons and floats is on the program, headed by a bang‑on‑the‑spot appearance from “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. With over 3.5 million on‑site New Yorkers and the rest watching from home, a huge volunteer workforce keeps everything running like clockwork.
### When does the parade start?
The 99th run will begin at 8:30 a.m. (local time) and conclude around noon, followed by a repeat performance at 2 p.m. Eastern/ Pacific.
### How to watch and stream
The parade’s only official broadcast is on NBC, with “TODAY’s” Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker returning as hosts. If you don’t have access to NBC through cable or Peacock, you can tune in via a live‑TV streaming service such as DIRECTV, which offers a free five‑day trial that includes NBC. Sling TV’s Select plan also streams the parade and starts at $19.99 per month. NBC will provide audio description on the Secondary Audio Program channel for viewers who are blind or visually impaired.
Telemundo will air a Spanish‑language simulcast, hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow. In addition, Macy’s will livestream behind‑the‑scenes content on its social media channels (@macys and #MacysParade) across Instagram, TikTok, Threads and more.
### The parade route
The procession begins at 77th Street and Eighth Avenue, traveling down West 59th Street toward Sixth Avenue until it reaches the iconic Herald Square flagship. From there the floats and performers finish their display for televised coverage. Note that certain sections—such as Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets—are off‑limits to the public. For a complete map, refer to the official route guide on the Macy’s website.
### Weather forecast
Thanks to a dry spell, Thanksgiving Day is expected to be mostly clear, though temperatures will stay chilly, hovering in the low 40s. Wind gusts up to 30 mph are anticipated, which could push the wind chill lower. FOX Weather Meteorologist Matt Shapiro confirms the forecast.
### Special guests and performers
Expect a lineup of singers and dancers, from Conan Gray and Lainey Wilson to Ciara, Lil Jon, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton and Teyana. In addition, Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami from the K‑pop duo behind the Netflix hit “HUNTR/X” will make their daytime debut. Broadway talent arrives in the form of cast members from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.”
The Rockettes will be celebrating their centennial and will perform at the parade. Other celebrities—such as “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans, ballet dancer Tiler Peck, figure skater Ilia Malinin and Paralympian Jack Wallace—are also expected to attend.
### New floats
This year introduces six brand‑new floats, including one dedicated to the viral toy sensation Labubu and its creator Pop Mart. The “Upside Down Invasion” float makes a timely debut shortly after the final season of “Stranger Things.” Other fresh entries include “The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder” by Holland America Line, “Brick‑tastic Winter Mountain” by The LEGO Group, “Master Chocolatier Ballroom” by Lindt, and “The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator” by Serta.
### New balloons
Alongside the classic balloons, four new character balloons will float through the streets: Buzz Lightyear, PAC‑MAN, Nintendo’s Mario and Shrek’s Onion Carriage. These additions complement the previous year’s debut of iconic figures like Mario and PAC‑MAN and highlight the parade’s commitment to pop culture and family entertainment.
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