The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to take over New York City on Thursday, bringing with it an iconic mix of giant balloons, colorful floats, and a star-packed performance lineup.
According to NBC News, this year’s parade will feature 34 balloons, 28 floats, 28 performers, 11 marching bands, 33 clown crews, and nine performance groups—continuing a tradition that draws millions of viewers nationwide.
NBC’s “TODAY” show trio — Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker — will return to host the broadcast, which begins at 8:30 a.m. ET and runs until noon. NBC and Peacock will air the event live across all time zones, with a special encore at 2 p.m. A Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow.
The 2.5-mile procession kicks off at West 77th Street and Central Park West before ending at the Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street. Crowds typically begin gathering as early as 6 a.m.
Spectators can find prime viewing spots along several key areas. Central Park West offers strong visibility from West 75th to West 63rd streets, while the south side of West 59th Street between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue provides additional options.
Sixth Avenue offers clear viewing from West 59th to West 38th streets, although the stretch between West 34th and West 38th remains restricted.
Balloon inflation festivities begin at noon on West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue, with attendees moving toward West 77th Street to watch crews bring the massive characters to life. Visitors then continue north to view the float assembly between West 81st and West 86th streets.
This year’s performance roster is stacked with crowd favorites. “Wicked: For Good” star Cynthia Erivo will open the broadcast.
Country star Lainey Wilson, nearing the end of her sold-out “Whirlwind World Tour,” will perform outside Macy’s.
Additional performers include Ciara, Callum Scott, Colbie Caillat, Russell Dickerson, Darlene Love, Busta Rhymes, Lauren Spencer Smith, and “Hamilton” alum Christopher Jackson. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI — the voices behind HUNTR/X in Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” — will also take the stage.
Four new character balloons will debut this year: Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Shrek’s Onion Carriage, and Mario.
They’ll join newcomers Derpy Tiger and Sussie from “KPop Demon Hunters,” along with a trio of hippos inspired by classic Happy Hippo entries. The Frost Pips from the Elf on the Shelf Santaverse will arrive as the parade’s largest balloonicle ever.
Six new floats will also roll down the route, including The Land of Ice & Wonder, Brick-tastic Winter Mountain, Master Chocolatier Ballroom, Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things, Friends-giving in POP CITY, and the Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator.
And as always, Santa’s Sleigh will close out the parade, marking the start of the holiday season for millions watching in person and at home.
