Everything You Need to Know About the 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
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Maybe your grandfather drove you into New York City one particularly chilly year and carried a ladder a dozen blocks to help you get up over the crowds. Or maybe, year after year, you found comfort in huddling up on the couch and marveling at the big balloons with your siblings while your parents perfected the upcoming feast.
No matter where your roots are planted, chances are your Thanksgiving memories include the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in some way. That's because, in an ever-evolving world, the show has remained a constant.
Since 1927 when the parade first debuted, there have been obstacles, no doubt—like the Great Depression, balloons blown dangerously off course by winds during stormier years, and most recently, the coronavirus pandemic. But the show must go on. And for nearly 100 years, the show has always gone on.
Though, for the first time ever, the parade didn't take its storied route in 2020, organizers managed to keep tradition alive by airing a television-only presentation showcasing the parade's signature balloons, floats, and performers.
This year, however, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will resume as usual, with in-person spectators lining up to catch a glimpse of their favorite acts and at-home viewers taking a journey through the streets of mid-town Manhattan. Here, we're answering last-minute questions about how to watch the iconic event.
What time does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Start This Year?
The 2021 parade begins at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving day, November 25. It commences at 77th Street and Central Park West. Over the course of the next three hours, the parade will venture south before concluding at 12 p.m. on 34th Street and 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2021
Macy's 2021 Thanksgiving Day Parade will air from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in all time zones on NBC. Viewers can tune into NBC through their cable provider, Hulu+ Live TV, or YouTube TV. Livestream coverage will also be available on NBC's website, the NBC app, or—for the first time this year—on Peacock, the network's streaming platform.
Telemundo will simulcast the parade in Spanish. And if you miss the broadcast? Don't worry: NBC will air an encore of the parade from 2 to 5 p.m. ET.
What's the official parade route?
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade takes a 2.5-mile route through New York City that begins at 77th Street and Central Park West. Floats, balloons, and performers then continue south to Columbus Circle. At this point, the talent turns onto Central Park South, then heads down Sixth Avenue, marching just over one mile to Macy’s Herald Square at 34th Street and 7th Avenue. (Check out the event's website for an interactive map.)
If you're heading to Manhattan to watch the parade in person, organizers suggest two prime viewing spots: the west side of Central Park West from West 75th to West 61st Streets and on Sixth Avenue from West 59th to West 38th Streets.
Note: Tickets aren't required, but you'll want to arrive early. Viewers set up shop as early as 6 a.m. to get the best vantage points.
Who's hosting?
As in years past, TODAY Show anchors will host the broadcast. In 2021, you can expect to see Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb on your screen.
For Spanish-speaking audiences tuning into Telemundo, hosts include Ana Jurka, Carlos Adyan, and Freddy Lomelí. Miss Universe Andrea Meza will also make a special appearance.
Who's performing?
The 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade will have no shortage of star-studded performances, from Broadway casts to world-famous singers. Here's a look at some of the headlining acts:
Carrie Underwood
Darren Criss
Kelly Rowland
Kristin Chenoweth
Nelly
Rob Thomas
Aespa
Andy Grammer
Chris Lane
Foreigner
Girls5eva
Jimmie Allen
Jon Batiste
Jordan Fisher
There will also be performances by marching bands from across the nation, as well as groups like The Radio City Rockettes, The Big Apple Circus, Ballet Hispánico, and the casts of various Broadway shows, including Wicked. There will, of course, be an appearance by Santa Claus, himself—the traditional close to the parade.
Are there any new balloons?
This year's parade will feature 15 giant character balloons, 28 floats, and 36 novelty and heritage inflatables. In addition to favorites like Snoopy, SpongeBob Square Pants, and Boss Baby, revelers will also catch a glimpse of six new balloons:
Ada Twist, Scientist by Netflix
Grogu, a Baby Yoda inspired by the Child Funko Pop!
Ronald McDonald
Pikachu and Eevee from Pokémon
Tiptoe, the star of Macy's holiday campaign
Toni, the Macy's bandleader bear
Happy Thanksgiving!
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