How to watch and who’s performing : NPR

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return for its 99th year on Thursday, featuring beloved floats, balloons and live performances through the streets of Manhattan and on television across the country.

This year’s parade will include more than 5,000 volunteers, 34 balloons, 28 floats, 11 marching bands and multiple musical performances by stars like Cynthia Erivo and Darlene Love.

Beginning as the Macy’s Christmas Parade in 1924, the first march to its flagship store in Herald Square featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo in an effort to boost the department store’s holiday sales.

Audiences won’t see live animals this year; They were discontinued in parades in 1927 due to safety concerns. Organizers replaced the real lions and tigers (and bears, oh my god!) with the now iconic oversized balloons. This year’s parade will include life-size Macy’s stars, Minnie Mouse and Spiderman.

“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings families together like nothing else on television and remains a beloved tradition for millions,” said Jane Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials for NBCUniversal Entertainment. “We look forward to working with (Macy’s) to produce a spectacular parade that we know so many people love and cherish.”

Here’s how to watch and what to look for.

When and where is it?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 27 in all time zones.

Cynthia Erivo – Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning star Wicked And Wicked: for good – According to NBC, the festivities will begin with a “show-stopping opening number.”

The parade will begin at West 77th Street and Central Park West in New York City, traveling 2.5 miles to its endpoint at the Macy’s Herald Square flagship.

For the best views, live viewers in New York can watch from West 59th to West 38th Streets. Here is an interactive map showing recommended viewing points and areas to avoid.

Be aware: You may want to set an early alarm. Spectators usually start lining up around 6 a.m.

How can I see?

NBC and Peacock will broadcast the parade live Thursday morning, with rebroadcasts at 2 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Telemundo will also air a Spanish-language simulcast beginning at 8:30 a.m., hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleida Ortiz and Clovis Niño.

For blind and visually impaired viewers, the entire NBC broadcast of the parade will be available on the SAP (Secondary Audio Program) channel.

Also, don’t forget about the National Dog Show, which airs right after the parade on NBC at 12 p.m.

Who is hosting?

Former NBC Today host Hoda Kotb will return to co-host the parade for the eighth time with Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker.

“It just feels like home,” Kotb told NPR about his return to NBC. “Every year, Macy’s steps up the game.”

“There are a lot of surprises and delights for audiences to look forward to this year,” says Kotb. Like many others, she’s excited to cover the newest elements of the parade, but she also cherishes what hasn’t changed.

“The thing I love about (the parade) is it’s comforting to know that things don’t always change so quickly.” On Thanksgiving morning, she says, “you get the feeling of a warm blanket” and “all the memories that come with the parade and its annual traditions”.

Who is performing?

Spectators can expect a variety of entertainment to perform in front of Macy’s during the parade.

Following Cynthia Erivo’s opening performance, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI – the trio of singers behind the Netflix megahit kpop demon hunter – Darlene Love will perform with Ciara, Colbie Caillat, Lil Jon and Busta Rhymes; Just to name a few.

Broadway productions scheduled for performance include Buena Vista Social Club, at the right time And rythmThe Rockets will also celebrate their 100th anniversary with a special and undoubtedly high-kicking performance,

As always, a sleigh pulled by Santa and his reindeer will close the parade during the holiday season.

What about balloons?

Ahead of the parade’s 100th anniversary in 2026, Macy’s Studio will reintroduce historic balloon elements from earlier parades this year, including the Rainbow and Greco Trouts, Happy the Hippo and Frida the Dachshund.

There are also some new additions to the line of 32 balloons: Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Shrek Onion Carriage, and Mario.

Familiar favorites include Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, Pillsbury Doughboy, and Bluey.

Can’t wait until Thanksgiving?

NBC and Peacock will air the primetime special “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” on Wednesday, November 26 at 8 p.m.

Broadcast live from the parade’s starting point, it will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the special parade floats, balloons and bands before they roam the streets of New York on Thanksgiving Day.