All About the Thanksgiving Parade in New York

What is Thanksgiving?

• If you’re not from North America, Thanksgiving might be unfamiliar to you. This holiday is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November. It has roots in harvest festivals celebrated in Europe, when people gave thanks for their blessings. When brought to the United States, the holiday lost its religious character. Today, it’s mainly a time for families to gather around a meal, traditionally featuring turkey.
• Thanksgiving is now one of the biggest holidays in the United States. The American Automobile Association estimates that more than 54 million Americans will travel during Thanksgiving weekend, many driving over 80 km (50 mi) to reach their destinations.

About the Parade in New York

• In New York, Thanksgiving is celebrated with great fanfare through a parade of giant balloons, organized by Macy’s. The first parade took place in 1924, so 2026 will mark the 102nd anniversary of this beloved tradition. The parade has grown tremendously since then and is now considered the largest parade in the world.
• In 2026, the parade will take place on Thursday, November 26. It starts at 8:30 am from the corner of 77th Street and Central Park West, the avenue that runs along the west side of Central Park. The parade travels along Central Park to 6th Avenue, then turns right onto 34th Street and ends at Herald Square in front of Macy’s. Expected arrival time is noon.
• More than 3.5 million spectators, many of them children, line the route to watch 1,500 dancers, 1,000 clowns, and 32 giant balloons parade by.
• You’ll see the parade’s iconic balloons, including Angry Birds, Hello Kitty, Charlie Brown, Superman, Smurf, Pikachu, and SpongeBob SquarePants. The lineup changes each year, with new balloons making their debut.
• Keep in mind: the Thanksgiving parade in New York is one of the year’s biggest events. If you want a good spot along the barriers, arrive early. If you arrive later, don’t worry—the giant balloons float high in the sky and you’ll see them clearly. It’s definitely worth experiencing if you’re visiting New York with children.
• Tip: the day before the parade, consider watching the balloon inflation. It’s free and equally impressive. This year, all balloons will be inflated on November 25, 2026, starting at 3 pm, along 77th Street to 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

How to Watch the Parade Live Online

Not in New York for Thanksgiving? You can still watch the parade live from home. Here’s how to watch the Thanksgiving parade online.

Thanksgiving Parade in Photos