Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Date, time, and how to watch live

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, now a cornerstone of Thanksgiving celebrations, began in 1924 when many Macy’s employees—first-generation European immigrants—introduced the idea of a festival reminiscent of their homeland traditions. The inaugural parade featured floats, marching bands, and live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. The highlight was Santa Claus, crowned "King of the Kiddies" on the Macy’s balcony at Herald Square.

The event drew over 250,000 spectators, marking it as a success. Macy’s declared it an annual tradition, and it has since grown to attract millions. During its long history, it has overcome interruptions like World War II, when it was paused from 1942–1944 due to rubber and helium shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which downsized the 2020 parade to a broadcast-only event.

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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route and Broadcast Information

The 2024 parade begins at 8:30 AM (local time), starting at West 77th Street and Central Park West and travelling down Sixth Avenue to end at Macy’s Herald Square. Rain is expected, so attendees should dress appropriately, with Macy’s advising against bringing umbrellas.

For those watching from home, NBC and Peacock will provide live coverage from 8:30 AM to noon, with an encore telecast at 2 PM ET/PT. A Spanish simulcast will air on Telemundo. Hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker of Today will anchor the broadcast, with Kotb’s upcoming departure from Today adding emotional significance to this year’s coverage.

What to Expect in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day 2024 Parade This Year

The 2024 parade features 17 giant balloons, including new additions like Spider-Man and Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse. Fans can look forward to 22 floats, including those from Disney Cruise Line, BBC Studios’ Bluey, and The Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary float showcasing animal replicas made from pasta elements.

Among the performers are Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, T-Pain, Idina Menzel, and Broadway casts from Death Becomes Her and Hell’s Kitchen. Alison Brie will ceremonially cut the ribbon to commence the festivities, and additional appearances include WNBA’s New York Liberty and dance performances by Charli D’Amelio, Tiler Peck, and Roman Mejia.

A Legacy of Evolution and Resilience

Over nearly a century, the Macy’s Parade has adapted to societal and cultural changes. In the 1930s, it drew crowds exceeding a million people, and by the late 1940s, it gained nationwide recognition through its first television broadcast. Highlights in its evolution include the debut of Mickey Mouse as a balloon in 1934 and celebrity performances starting in 1958 with the Benny Goodman sextet.

During the pandemic, the 2020 parade was scaled down, filmed as a broadcast-only event with 88% fewer participants and strict social distancing. In 2021, it returned to its full-scale format with 6,500 participants, reaffirming its role as a unifying tradition.

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Weather Advisory and Safety Guidelines

Spectators should prepare for temperatures in the 30s to 40s Fahrenheit, with a steady drizzle and light winds predicted throughout the morning. "We can say confidently it will be more than the average amount for Thanksgiving," noted William Churchill of the National Weather Service. The rain is expected to subside by noon, coinciding with the parade’s conclusion.

As the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade approaches its centennial in 2026, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to bring communities together, blending historical traditions with contemporary entertainment. Whether viewed in person or on screen, the parade offers a celebration of gratitude and the start of the holiday season that continues to captivate audiences across generations.