The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with the broadcast starting at 8:30 a.m. on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo (Macy's, Inc.). The 2026 route hasn't been published yet; the probable route, based on 2025, starts at 77th Street and Central Park West and runs 2.5 miles to Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street.
For its centennial, Macy's has announced a record lineup of 100 inflatable elements. Public viewing along the route is free and managed by the NYPD.
Key 2026 facts
| What | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Parade date and start | ✅ Official | Thu Nov 26, 2026; broadcast from 8:30 a.m. |
| Edition | ✅ Official | 100th parade, 100 inflatable elements |
| Route | ⚠️ Probable (2025 route) | 77th St & Central Park West → Central Park West south → Columbus Circle → Central Park South → Sixth Ave south → 34th St, Herald Square (2.5 miles) |
| Balloon inflation | ⚠️ Probable | Wed Nov 25, around the American Museum of Natural History. In 2025: free, line opened at noon, viewing 1–6 p.m., entry at West 72nd St & Columbus Ave |
| Closed on Thanksgiving | ✅ Official | The Met, American Museum of Natural History, city offices; alternate side parking and meters suspended |
4-day itinerary (Wed Nov 25 – Sat Nov 28, 2026)
Balloon inflation (probable)
- AfternoonThe balloon inflation around the American Museum of Natural History, if Macy's confirms it for 2026. In 2025, entry was through a security checkpoint at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue, with viewing from 1 to 6 p.m.
- NoteThe Met is closed on Wednesdays.
- Afternoon
Thanksgiving and the 100th parade
- MorningThe parade, from 8:30 a.m. In 2025, Macy's recommended the west side of Central Park West (W 75th–W 63rd St, where early risers line up from 6 a.m.), the south side of W 59th St between Columbus Circle and Sixth Ave, and Sixth Ave between W 59th and W 38th St.
- AfternoonThe Met and the American Museum of Natural History are closed today.
- Morning
Black Friday and the Met
- Black Friday shopping day in Manhattan.
- The Met is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Museums
- The American Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; the Met is open Saturday until 9 p.m.
Back in October? See our Halloween in New York parade guide. Staying for December? Our New York at Christmas 2026 guide has a 4-day itinerary.
Practical tips (from official sources)
- What not to bring: Macy's asks spectators to avoid large bags, umbrellas, backpacks and strollers; people entering viewing streets may be searched (2025 guidance).
- Driving: alternate side parking rules and parking meters are suspended on Thanksgiving Day (NYC DOT).
- Subway: check mta.info for parade-day service changes before you go.
FAQ
What time does the Macy's parade start and what's the route?
The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with the broadcast starting at 8:30 a.m. The 2026 route isn't published yet. In 2025, the parade left from 77th Street and Central Park West and marched 2.5 miles to Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street, so that route is probable. Source: Macy's, Inc.
Where can you watch it for free?
Public viewing along the route is free and managed by the NYPD; no ticket is needed for the street. In 2025, Macy's recommended the west side of Central Park West from 75th to 63rd Street, 59th Street between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue, and Sixth Avenue from 59th to 38th Street. Sources: Macy's, Inc.; NBC.
What's open and what's closed that day?
On Thanksgiving Day, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History are closed, as are New York City government offices. Alternate side parking rules and parking meters are suspended citywide. Check each attraction's official site before going, and mta.info for subway changes. Sources: The Met, AMNH, NYC DOT, NYC.gov.
When is the balloon inflation?
The balloons are inflated the day before the parade, so it's probable for Wednesday, November 25, 2026, around the American Museum of Natural History; Macy's hasn't published 2026 details. In 2025 it was free, the line opened at noon, viewing ran from 1 to 6 p.m., and entry was at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Source: Macy's.
Plan your Thanksgiving trip
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Sources
- Macy's, Inc., 100-day countdown to the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (2026): https://www.macysinc.com/newsroom/news/news-details/2026/Macys-Kicks-Off-the-100-Day-Countdown-to-the-100th-Macys-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade/
- Macy's, Inc., 2025 parade press release (route start, 2.5 miles, NYPD viewing, items to avoid): https://www.macysinc.com/newsroom/news/news-details/2025/The-Most-Wonderful-Stories-Start-at-Macys-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade/
- Macy's, balloon inflation map (2025): https://www.macys.com/s/parade/inflation-map/
- NBC (parade broadcaster), 2025 route and Macy's viewing recommendations: https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/2025-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-route-where-it-starts-balloons-blown-up
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, hours: https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/
- American Museum of Natural History, hours: https://www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit/hours
- NYC DOT, alternate side parking 2026 calendar: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/asp-calendar-2026.pdf
- NYC DEP, 2026 customer service closure dates: https://home4.nyc.gov/site/dep/news/010126/customer-service-closure-dates-2026
- MTA: https://www.mta.info/
