Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Guide to Viewing, Performers, and Weather

The 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to take place on Thursday, November 28, 2024, in New York City, despite forecasted rainy and chilly weather. The parade will start at 8:30 a.m. and run until 12 p.m., beginning at West 77th Street and Central Park West on Manhattan‘s Upper West Side.

Spectators can watch the parade along much of the route, with recommended viewing spots including Central Park West between West 60th and West 77th Streets, Central Park South, and 6th Avenue between West 38th and West 59th Streets. However, public viewing is not allowed at the starting point on West 77th Street and Central Park West, near Columbus Circle, and certain sections of 6th Avenue and West 34th Street.

The parade will feature 17 giant character balloons, including new additions such as Minnie Mouse, Goku from “Dragon Ball,” and a new “Spider-Man.” There will also be 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, and 10 performance groups. Performers include Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Ariana Madix, Idina Menzel, and T-Pain, among others.

The weather forecast indicates rain with temperatures in the upper-40s and winds around 10 mph. Umbrellas are not allowed, so spectators are advised to bring raincoats and layers. The balloons can fly as long as sustained winds do not exceed 23 mph or wind gusts do not exceed 34 mph.

The parade will be broadcast on NBC and simulcast on Peacock, with an encore telecast starting at 2 p.m. EST/PST. A Spanish language simulcast will also be available on Telemundo.

For those attending in person, the closest subway stations to the start of the parade include the 1, 2, and 3 at 72 Street, the 1 at 79 Street, and the C at 81 Street. Additional service will be provided on the S 42 Street Shuttle and the 1 line to accommodate parade-goers. Some subway entrances and exits will be closed to prevent overcrowding.