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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off every 4th Thursday of November, captivating millions with its iconic balloons and star-studded performances. This annual spectacle has become a cherished tradition, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season. Tune in, gather your family, and share your favorite parade moments online!
Want to sponsor Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Learn how
Expected Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Deals
While the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade itself isn’t primarily a deal-driven event, it serves as the grand kickoff to the Black Friday shopping season. Expect major retailers like Macy’s, Target, and Walmart to launch their earliest holiday doorbuster deals immediately following the parade’s conclusion. Brands sponsoring floats, such as LEGO, McDonald’s, and Pillsbury, often run tie-in promotions or limited-time offers around Thanksgiving week. Keep an eye out for special discounts on parade merchandise and themed holiday items. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 26 approaches.
Platform Guide for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MacysParade. Share photos of your favorite floats, celebrity sightings, or your family’s parade-watching traditions.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #MacysThanksgiving. Create short videos reacting to the giant balloons, behind-the-scenes moments, or your own festive Thanksgiving morning preparations.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #MacysParade. Join the real-time conversation about performances, new balloons, and memorable parade moments as they happen.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Hero
Tony Sarg
History of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Rowland Hussey Macy was a businessman born in 1822 in Massachusetts. In 1843, Rowland Macy opened four dry goods stores to serve the mill industry. He failed to launch his business and, by 1858, moved to New York City, renaming his store “R.H. Macy Dry Goods”. That store saw great success, but Macy didn’t live long enough to see his vision actualized. Macy died in 1877 and ownership of the company eventually went to his partners, brothers Isidor and Nathan Straus.
In 1902 came a great business decision when the flagship store was moved to Herald Square. What started as one building expanded through the years to become the world’s largest store. In 1978, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and became a National Historic Landmark. It welcomes 20 million visitors every year. Macy’s hosts many of its events in that location, including the Macy’s Flower Show, Macy’s Santaland, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Each year the building’s windows have elaborate Christmas displays that visitors look forward to seeing.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is its most important and famous event. It has been hosted annually in New York City in Macy’s flagship store since 1924. In the first parade, Macy’s employees marched in costumes along with floats, a band, and live animals. Now, bands compete months ahead to play in the parade and thousands of people volunteer to help organize the event. The parades have become grander and more elaborate throughout the years. The parade introduced its first giant balloon in 1928. The balloons were initially shaped like various animals but then developed to feature cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse, Popeye, Superman, and Olaf.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade timeline
Rowland Hussey Macy opens four retail dry goods stores.
Rowland Hussey Macy founds a new store called “R. H. Macy & Co.”
Macy’s flagship store moves to Herald Square.
Macy’s holds its first Thanksgiving Day parade.
Macy’s Herald Square is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Local businesses can embrace the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by hosting ‘parade watch parties’ with themed food and drink specials. Restaurants can offer special breakfast or brunch menus for early risers tuning in. Retailers can launch early Black Friday sales, tying promotions to parade themes or specific floats. Decorate storefronts with festive balloons and holiday cheer to capture the festive spirit.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade FAQs
When is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
In 2026, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 26, coinciding with Thanksgiving Day. This annual tradition kicks off the holiday season with spectacular floats and balloons.
How many people watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade draws an enormous audience, with approximately 50 million viewers tuning in from home and around 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of New York City in 2026.
How many balloons are in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Each year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features approximately 25-30 giant character balloons, alongside dozens of smaller novelty balloons. The exact number can vary slightly with new additions and retirements in 2026.
How long is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route is approximately 2.5 miles long, starting at 77th Street and Central Park West and ending at Macy’s Herald Square. The televised broadcast typically runs for three hours, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern Time in 2026.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Activities
Attend the parade
Macy’s parade extends to 2.5 miles. Macy’s official website details the streets with viewing available as well as restaurants and restrooms around the area. Meet up with your friends and family and enjoy the experience.
Watch the livestream
Don’t want to leave the house on Thanksgiving Day? No problem. Watch the livestream on T.V. with your family while enjoying Thanksgiving dinner and save yourself from all the tedious small talk.
Donate
There’s no better way to give thanks than to give back. Many kids dream of joining Macy’s Great American Marching band but not everyone who makes it can afford the trip. Donate to help make a kid’s dream come true.
5 Obscure Facts About Macy’s
They love to give back
Each year Macy’s organizes a charity event such as donating tickets to their event, partnering with Meals on Wheels to give seniors a Thanksgiving meal, and giving grants to marching bands that perform in their parade.
The first liquor license in N.Y.C.
Before becoming a major department store, R.H. Macy’s & Co. was issued the first liquor license in New York City.
They introduced new things to America
In the 20th century, Macy’s became the first store in America to feature colored bath towels, tea bags, and baked potatoes.
The logo was inspired by a tattoo
The famous Macy’s logo is inspired by the founder Rowland Macy’s tattoo of a red star (either on his hand or forearm), which symbolizes the time when he was lost at sea while working as a whaler, and found a star that guided him to shore.
Macy’s owner was in the Titanic
Isidor Straus and his wife, Ida, found themselves aboard the most famous ship on earth that only the most elite could be on but, sadly, the couple didn’t make it, as Ida, when instructed to get on the lifeboat, refused to leave her husband behind saying, “As we have lived, so will we die together."
Why We Love Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
It’s a fun tradition
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday and a nice family tradition. It’s fun for all ages to watch and see people’s creativity.
It builds anticipation
Many look forward to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with anticipation, curious to see what new creative floats people will come up with. It makes for fun family discussions. Can you guess what cartoon character will make the next parade?
It’s inspirational
Macy’s is one of the most well-known stores in America and has become a part of the culture. This was all started by one man with a simple upbringing. His vision has now become a part of history.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 27 | Thursday |
| 2026 | November 26 | Thursday |
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