JULIAN MACIAS
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026: route, time and what to know
New York’s Thanksgiving parade reaches its 100th edition on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Macy’s says the official broadcast begins at 8:30 a.m. ET. The centennial brings a major new lineup, but there is one detail to check before choosing a curb: as of November 8, Macy’s official parade page still says the 2026 details are coming soon and has not posted its route map.
Use this guide to follow confirmed announcements and plan the practical parts of your morning. We’ll update the route and viewing advice when Macy’s publishes the 2026 map.
What’s new for the 100th parade
Macy’s says the centennial edition will feature 100 inflatable elements. Announced highlights include a reimagined Underdog, the return of the Blue Hippopotamus—the balloon that went missing after the 1931 parade—and Billie Brightpaw, a new character created for Macy’s Parade. Macy’s has also announced a new Snoopy balloon, alongside Disney’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey.
See Macy’s current official parade lineup; it can change as more participants are announced.
Route and viewing: wait for the 2026 map
The official 2026 route map and viewing areas have not appeared on Macy’s parade page yet. Earlier editions have used a Manhattan route, but don’t treat a previous year’s map or street closures as confirmation for this year. Check the official Macy’s parade page before choosing a viewing spot or setting out.
- Once the map is live, pick one section and check its nearest open subway station.
- Allow extra time for security barriers, crowd-control routes and station changes.
- Bring warm layers and comfortable shoes; you may be standing outside for a while.
Getting there: check MTA service changes
Subway service and station access can change for a major street event. Before leaving, check the MTA planned service changes, then confirm the route to your chosen viewing area. Our NYC subway map guide can help you compare lines, but live MTA alerts should guide your trip that morning.
More Thanksgiving plans nearby
The night-before Macy’s balloon inflation is a separate event with its own access details; check its listing before you go. If you’re staying in Manhattan for the holiday season, see our guide to Macy’s Santaland 2026.
Do you need tickets?
No tickets are required for public parade viewing. Check Macy’s official site for the final route, viewing guidance and any event updates before Thanksgiving morning.
The 100th parade should be a memorable New York morning. Save the date, keep your plans flexible until the official route appears, and check back for the updated viewing guide.