Start time and quick answers
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a firmly scheduled annual event: it begins at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thanksgiving Day and follows the same start time on weekdays and weekends. If Thanksgiving is on Thursday, the parade starts Thursday at 9:00 a.m. ET; this schedule has been consistent for many years. For tomorrow, check whether tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. If it is, expect the start at 9:00 a.m. ET. If tomorrow is the day before Thanksgiving, the parade has not started yet.
The parade features giant character balloons, performance groups, and floats, traveling west on 77th Street from Central Park West to 7th Avenue, then south on 7th Avenue to 34th Street, proceeding west on 34th Street to Herald Square and finishing at Macy’s Herald Square.
Schedule at a glance
| Event | Typical Time (ET) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parks and pre-parade entertainment opens | 8:00 a.m. | Gates near the parade route may open earlier; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| Official start of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade | 9:00 a.m. | Consistent start time each year. |
| Parade duration | Approximately 3 hours | Completion time varies slightly year to year. |
| End of main parade on 34th Street | Around 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Balloon removal and cleanup continue afterward. |
How the parade schedule works
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a long-standing timeline intended to help large audiences plan their viewing. Though exact performance lineups and segments can shift slightly, the core start time remains 9:00 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day. Television coverage typically begins earlier in the morning on NBC, with extended morning programming leading up to the televised parade segments. If you’re planning to watch in person, arrive at least an hour early for prime sidewalk spots, especially around Herald Square and near the balloon-handling areas.
Pre‑parade entertainment
Starting around 8:00 a.m., entertainment activities and informal performances occur near the route, and some viewing areas open ahead of the official 9:00 a.m. start. These pre-parade activities build excitement but are separate from the official parade lineup. Expect the official televised segments to begin close to 9:00 a.m., with NBC’s live coverage ramping up shortly before the first balloons appear.
Television versus in‑person timing
Television schedules may show hosts, pre‑parade features, and early coverage beginning before 9:00 a.m. The live parade start on NBC aligns with the official 9:00 a.m. ET start, though local affiliates might have brief delays. If you’re watching at home, tune to NBC on Thanksgiving morning for full parade coverage; if you’re attending in person, be at your spot by 8:30 a.m. to secure a good view.
Route and key landmarks
The parade route is well established and consistently used, which helps with planning whether you’re attending in person or watching from home.
- Begin: Central Park West at 77th Street
- Turn south: 7th Avenue
- Turn west: 34th Street to Herald Square
- Finish: Macy’s at Herald Square
Balloon handlers test and maneuver along this route in the early morning, and major performance groups typically occupy designated segments. Knowing the route can help you choose the best viewing spots or understand where cameras will focus during the broadcast.
Tips for attending in person
Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person is popular, so planning ahead supports a smooth experience. Arrive early for sidewalks along the route, bring warm clothing, and be prepared for large crowds. Security checks may be in effect near major intersections. Portable chairs and small, non‑inflatable signs are common, but balloons and large items are restricted near the path. Check the official Macy’s site for any updates on access, street closures, or recommended arrival windows closer to the event.
Broadcast and streaming options
NBC provides the primary national television coverage of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Many years, the parade also streams live on Macy’s official site and select partners, with extended pre‑parade programming and post‑parade segments. If you plan to watch online, verify the confirmed streaming method on Macy’s communications channels, as platforms and authentication requirements can evolve. Local affiliates may offer additional segments or local coverage, so check your local listings for start times and any pre‑emptions.
Weather and contingency considerations
Parade operations are planned for typical November conditions in New York City. High winds or severe weather can affect balloon flights and viewing conditions; when safety is a concern, some balloons may be grounded or routes adjusted. NBC updates typically cover any changes, and organizers communicate decisions ahead of the event. If you’re attending in person, prepare for possible schedule shifts and follow guidance from parade staff and authorities.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the parade always start at 9:00 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving?
- Can I attend if I arrive right at 9:00 a.m.? Early arrival is recommended; prime spots fill quickly, and official start is 9:00 a.m.
- Is the parade live on television and online? Yes; NBC provides live TV coverage, and official streaming options are often available.
- What happens if it rains or is windy? The parade typically proceeds, but balloons may be grounded; check updates from Macy’s and NBC.
- How long does the parade last? Expect roughly three hours from start to when the last elements clear 34th Street.
Summary
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 9:00 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day each year. Plan to arrive by 8:30 a.m. for in‑person viewing, and tune to NBC around 9:00 a.m. for televised coverage. The route runs from Central Park West at 77th Street south on 7th Avenue, west on 34th Street to Herald Square, ending at Macy’s. Check weather updates and official communications closer to the day for any operational changes.