Macy's Thanksgiving Parade celebrates 100 years: How to watch

Floats, performances and millions of spectators will soon fill the streets of New York City for the 100th anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The beloved Emmy Award-winning Thanksgiving Day tradition is typically seen by over 3.5 million people in New York and over 50 million people at their homes, according to the City of New York . This year is expected to feature even more excitement to honor the anniversary with special floats, performances and everyone's favorite balloons.

Here is what to know about the upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, including its route and how to watch from home.

When is the 2026 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 2026 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held on Thursday, Nov. 26.

The 100th annual event is expected to start at 8:30 a.m. ET and run until noon, when the parade participants will finish off at the Macy's Herald Square flagship store in Manhattan.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route

The 2.5-mile parade will stretch along 77th Street through 34th Street.

Macy's has not yet announced specific details on performances and public viewing spots, but states that the route will be managed by the New York State Police.

Central Park West, between West 75th Street and West 61st Street, is known as one of the best spots to view the parade. The Central Park website also recommends viewing spots along 6th Avenue between West 59th Street and West 38th Street.

Restricted viewing areas to avoid, according to Central Park, include:

• Central Park West and W. 77th Street

• Central Park West between W. 60th and W. 59th Streets

• Central Park South between Columbus Circle and 6th Avenue

• 6th Avenue between W. 38th and W. 34th Streets

• W. 34th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues

How to watch 2026 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from home

The 2026 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will air and stream live on NBC and Peacock.

Spanish coverage is also expected to be available through Telemundo.

— Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York State. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones . She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Macy's Thanksgiving Parade celebrates 100 years: How to watch