Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Official 2025 Date & Best Tips
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most magical holiday traditions in New York City. For almost a century, this famous event has brought larger-than-life balloons, dazzling floats, live performances, and the spirit of Christmas to the streets of Manhattan. The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will once again mark the official start of the holiday season in NYC, drawing huge crowds and millions of viewers from around the world.
If you are spending Thanksgiving in New York this year, this is a must-see event. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is completely free, but expect large crowds, long waits, and an early start to your day. Whether you plan to watch it live from the streets of Manhattan or from home, the energy of this parade is like no other.
Thanksgiving is also when the city’s festive atmosphere truly begins. It’s the perfect time to join one of our Christmas tours, many of which start right around this holiday weekend. From visiting movie locations to seeing the best Christmas lights, our tours help you experience the magic of New York at its most festive.
In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ll share key details like the official date, time, and route. You’ll also find practical tips on where to watch, what to expect, and how to plan your visit. From the giant balloons to the famous Inflation Ceremony the night before, this parade is one of the most joyful ways to kick off Thanksgiving in New York City.
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History of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a long and fascinating history. The very first parade took place in 1924, making it one of the oldest Thanksgiving traditions in the United States. Back then, the parade was much smaller. It featured Macy’s employees dressed as clowns, marching bands, and animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. It ended at Macy’s Herald Square, as it still does today.
The parade quickly became a holiday favorite. In 1927, the very first giant balloon made its debut. It was Felix the Cat. This started the tradition that continues to this day, with iconic balloons floating above Manhattan each Thanksgiving morning. Over the decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has grown into a world-famous event, with millions of people watching in person and on TV every year.
Today, the parade is famous for its giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, Broadway performances, and celebrity appearances. It has become a major TV broadcast, reaching homes across America and beyond.
How the Famous Parade Has Adapted Through History
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has also shown great resilience through difficult times. It was canceled in 1942, 1943, and 1944 during World War II due to material shortages. In 2001, following the 9/11 attacks, the parade went ahead as planned, bringing a moment of unity and hope to New York City. More recently, in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade became a TV-only event with no crowds and strict safety protocols.
At its peak, a single balloon can require over 50,000 cubic feet of helium. Snoopy holds the record for the most appearances as a giant balloon. The parade’s closing moment is another long-standing tradition: Santa Claus always arrives last, marking the start of the Christmas season in New York City.
Many people wonder why the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place in 2026 and not in 2024. The reason is simple: there were no parades in 1942, 1943, or 1944. Because of these missed years, the 2025 parade will be the 99th, and the 100th celebration is officially scheduled for 2026.
When is the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025. As always, the parade is held on Thanksgiving morning in New York City. This year marks the 99th edition of this iconic holiday event.
If you are wondering what time is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the answer is simple. The parade starts at 8:30 AM Eastern Time and usually ends around 12:00 PM. The entire event lasts approximately three and a half hours.
You can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live on NBC, which has been the official broadcaster for decades. The live coverage typically begins at 8:30 AM and continues through the parade’s finale at Macy’s Herald Square. If you prefer to watch online, several streaming platforms will offer access. These include NBC’s official app, Peacock, and other live TV streaming services.
Wondering how to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 if you’re outside the US? Many international channels also broadcast it, or you can use a streaming service with US access. The parade is also available for replay on some platforms later in the day.
Keep in mind that this is a free event if you plan to see it live in New York. However, it’s one of the busiest days of the year, and you should expect large crowds, long waits, and security checks.
In the next section, we’ll cover the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 and the best spots to watch it live in NYC.
Where is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Held?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in Manhattan, following a 2.5-mile route through the heart of New York City. The 2025 parade will start at West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 AM. However, there is no public viewing allowed at the starting point. The best public viewing areas along Central Park West are between West 75th and West 61st Streets. Early risers often arrive as early as 6:00 AM to secure a good spot along this stretch. It’s important to note there is no public viewing permitted on Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets.
From Columbus Circle, the parade turns onto Central Park South, but this area also offers no public access. After Columbus Circle, the parade continues south on Sixth Avenue, also known as Avenue of the Americas. Sixth Avenue provides some of the best views, especially between West 59th and West 38th Streets. One of the nicest spots to watch is near Radio City Music Hall. From there, you can capture great pictures with the iconic building in the background as the balloons and floats pass by.
The parade concludes at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street, but this area is closed to the public unless you have access through press, grandstand tickets, or private invitations. There is no public viewing allowed on West 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, nor on the south side of 34th Street near Macy’s itself.
For more details on the parade route, you can visit the official Macy’s page at www.macys.com/s/parade/route. To check the latest lineup of balloons, floats, and performers for 2025, visit www.macys.com/s/parade/lineup.
In the next section, we’ll look at what you can expect at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, including balloons, floats, and performers.
What to Expect at the 2025 Parade
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises all the festive magic people love about this famous New York City event. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular mix of giant balloons, colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, Broadway performances, and celebrity appearances. Every year, the parade brings something new while keeping its classic holiday charm.
One of the biggest highlights is always the giant character balloons. Expect to see familiar favorites like Snoopy, Pikachu, and SpongeBob, alongside new additions designed for 2025. Some of these balloons are as tall as a six-story building and require dozens of handlers to guide them safely along the streets of Manhattan.
Floats are another key part of the parade. These range from whimsical holiday scenes to pop culture icons and are often paired with live musical performances. Marching bands from around the country, cheerleaders, and dance groups add to the lively energy of the morning.
For many people, the most anticipated moment is the arrival of Santa Claus at the end of the parade. His appearance officially signals the start of the Christmas season in New York City.
Each year, Macy’s releases the official lineup of balloons, floats, and performers closer to Thanksgiving. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can visit the Macy’s website at www.macys.com/s/parade/lineup.
In the next section, we’ll explore another key tradition tied to this event: the Macy’s Balloon Inflation Ceremony.
About the Macy’s Balloon Inflation Ceremony 2025
The Macy’s Balloon Inflation Ceremony is one of the most exciting and lesser-known traditions of Thanksgiving week in New York City. Held the day before the parade, this event offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the famous giant balloons are brought to life. Many people say it’s just as impressive as the parade itself.
In 2025, the Balloon Inflation Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 26, in the afternoon and early evening. The balloons are inflated near the American Museum of Natural History, located on the Upper West Side. The public can usually visit between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, though exact hours are confirmed closer to the date.
During this event, you can walk around and see the enormous balloons up close as they slowly take shape. It’s a unique photo opportunity and a festive way to kick off the holiday celebrations. Expect big crowds and long lines, especially later in the day when most families come by after work or school.
Security measures are in place, and access points are limited. Visitors typically enter around 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Streets are closed to traffic in this area for the event.
If you are planning to visit, arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds. Seeing the balloons up close the night before Thanksgiving adds a little extra magic to the parade experience.
In the next section, we’ll explain how to watch the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, whether in person or from home.
How to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025
There are several ways to watch the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, whether you are in New York City or following from home. The event remains one of the most-watched broadcasts of the year and is free for everyone to enjoy.
If you plan to watch the parade live in person, be prepared for a very early start. Crowds begin gathering along Central Park West and Sixth Avenue as early as 6:00 AM to secure a good viewing spot. Expect long waits, standing in the cold, and limited access to food and restrooms. However, seeing the balloons and floats pass by in person is a unique and festive experience.
For those watching from home, the parade will be broadcast live on NBC from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern Time. NBC has been the official broadcaster for decades, making this the most reliable option. You can also stream the parade live on NBC’s Peacock app and through other live TV streaming platforms. Replays are usually available later in the day on various services.
If you are outside the United States and wondering how to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025, some international channels carry the broadcast. Alternatively, a US-based streaming service can provide access.
Attending the parade is free, but grandstand seats are not available to the general public. These are usually reserved for sponsors, employees, and invited guests. Viewing the parade live in person requires patience, preparation, and an early morning start.
In the next section, we’ll share our best tips for visiting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person.
Essential Tips for Visiting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
If you want to enjoy the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, here are the most valuable tips to help you plan your visit.
- Arrive early. To secure a good viewing spot, plan to arrive no later than 6:00 AM. Some people arrive even earlier, especially along Central Park West.
- Best viewing spots. The most popular areas for public viewing are Central Park West between West 75th and West 61st Streets, and Sixth Avenue between West 59th and West 38th Streets.
- Avoid certain areas. There is no public viewing at the starting point on West 77th Street, at Columbus Circle, or at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street. Sections near the TV broadcast (34th to 38th Streets on Sixth Avenue) are also restricted.
- Consider Radio City. Watching from Sixth Avenue near Radio City Music Hall gives you great views and memorable photo opportunities with the building in the background.
- Dress for the weather. November in New York can be very cold, especially in the early morning. Wear warm layers, a hat, gloves, and comfortable shoes.
- Bring essentials. Pack water, snacks, tissues, and a portable phone charger. Avoid bringing large bags as there are security checks.
- Expect long waits. Once you find a spot, you will likely be standing in place for several hours. There are no chairs or seating unless you have access to a private space.
- No bathrooms. Public restrooms are extremely limited along the route. Plan ahead and use facilities before arriving.
- Watch security updates. Streets close early and security is tight. Always check the latest NYC police advisories for updated access points.
- Prepare for crowds. The parade attracts over three million people to the streets of Manhattan. Be patient, stay aware of your surroundings, and keep children close.
- No grandstand tickets for sale. Grandstand seating is by invitation only. There are no tickets available for public purchase.
- Check official updates. For the most current parade route and lineup, visit the official Macy’s website.
Why Thanksgiving Is a Perfect Time to Visit New York City
Thanksgiving is one of the most magical times of the year to visit New York City. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season, and from that moment on, the city transforms into a festive wonderland. Storefronts, streets, and landmarks light up with Christmas decorations, ice-skating rinks are open, and the first holiday markets are ready to explore. The atmosphere is full of excitement and holiday spirit.
It’s also the perfect time to join one of our Christmas tours. The Christmas Morning Tour already starts as early as November 21, and our New York Christmas Movie Tour runs all year long. Right after Thanksgiving, on November 28, we officially begin our Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour and our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour. This makes Thanksgiving weekend an ideal time to visit, as you can experience both the parade and the start of the city’s most festive season.
If you want to see all the dates when the holiday season officially starts in New York, you can check our full Holiday Season in New York Guide.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: The Ultimate Kickoff to Christmas in NYC
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a holiday tradition. It’s a celebration of New York City, the joy of Thanksgiving, and the official start of the Christmas season. Every year, the parade brings people together. Locals, visitors, and millions watching from home to share in the excitement, wonder, and timeless charm of this spectacular event.
Seeing the parade live is a bucket-list experience, but Thanksgiving in New York offers so much more than balloons and floats. As soon as the parade ends, the city comes alive with lights, decorations, and festive energy. Ice rinks open, storefronts sparkle, and Christmas markets welcome visitors with warm treats and holiday cheer. From this moment, the magic of Christmas in New York truly begins.
If you are planning to visit during this special time, our tours are designed to help you make the most of it. From the Christmas Morning Tour to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights and the Holiday Spirit in Manhattan, we show you the very best of New York’s holiday season. You can also explore more helpful tips and dates in our Holiday Season Guide to plan your perfect trip.
Whether it’s your first time in the city or part of your family’s yearly tradition, Thanksgiving is the perfect moment to experience New York at its most magical.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
