How to watch, schedule of the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
New balloons, tight security for Thanksgiving Parade
The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is back, and excitement is in the air! FOX 5's Michelle Ross has all the details on the new character balloons, time-honored traditions, and the NYPD's security measures to keep the 3 million spectators safe.
NEW YORK - Get ready to gobble up the action at the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan on Thursday, Nov. 28, starting at 8:30 a.m.
This year’s parade will last approximately three-and-a-half hours and cover a 2.5-mile route through the heart of New York City. Whether you’re bundling up to see it live or tuning in from the comfort of your couch, here’s your ultimate guide to catching all the action.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Santa Claus attends the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
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Thanksgiving Day parade schedule
Here's when the parade begins and ends and when we can expect the guest of honor - Santa Claus!
6 a.m.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive at 6 a.m., especially those viewing from Central Park West.
8:30 a.m.
The parade and the parade telecast begins. Actress Alison Brie will kick off the parade.
Just before the parade ends
The parade always concludes with a performance from the Radio City Rockettes followed by the arrival of Santa Claus.
12 p.m.
The parade telecast ends.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: A Elf on the Shelf balloon seen at the 93rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/Getty Images)
2 p.m.
An encore telecast airs in all timezones.
How to watch on TV
For the second year in a row, Thursday's parade starts at 8:30 a.m., in all time zones. It will be on NBC, available with an antenna or through cable and satellite providers.
For cord cutters, the parade is being simulcast on Peacock and an encore telecast begins at 2 p.m. EST/PST. A Spanish language simulcast will also be on Telemundo.
Performers on the Macy's Singing Christmas Tree float wave to spectators during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
How to watch in person
To enjoy the parade in person:
- Arrive early (by 6 a.m.) to secure a good spot. See schedule here.
- Stick to the public viewing areas along 6th Avenue and Central Park West.
- Avoid restricted areas at the start, finish, and broadcast zones.
Best Spots to Watch
For great views, Macy’s recommends these locations:
- West 59th to West 38th Streets along 6th Avenue.
- The west side of Central Park, between West 75th Street and West 61st Street, near the starting point. Arrive early—around 6 a.m.—to secure a spot.
Where NOT to Watch
Certain areas are off-limits for public viewing:
- West 77th Street and Central Park West, at the parade's starting point.
- Columbus Circle, at the parade’s turning point.
- West 34th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue, near Macy’s Herald Square, where the national broadcast is filmed.
Additionally, grandstand tickets are not available to the general public.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route Map
The parade's 2.5-mile route starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West on Manhattan's Upper West Side and follows this path:
- Central Park West to Columbus Circle.
- Central Park South heading east.
- 6th Avenue, traveling south.
- Ends at Macy’s Herald Square on 7th Avenue.
Who are some of the stars performing?
This year is starrier than ever. Grammy-, Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winner Jennifer Hudson will perform, as will global pop icon and Grammy-winner Kylie Minogue and Tony-, Grammy-, and Emmy winner Billy Porter.
Anyone else?
Reality TV’s Ariana Madix, Broadway belter Idina Menzel, hip-hop’s T-Pain, members of the WNBA champions New York Liberty and country duo Dan + Shay. Other music performers include The War and Treaty, Lea Salonga, Loud Luxury, The Temptations, Chlöe, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots and Coco Jones. It will kick off with "Glow" actor Alison Brie cutting the ribbon.
Who is hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade?
For those watching on TV or computers, the trio of hosting stalwarts — Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker from "Today." But this year might be more emotional since it could be Kotb's last — her last official day at "Today" will be Jan. 10.