Everything We Know (So Far) About the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Everything We Know (So Far) About the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade


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Thanksgiving is right around the corner and you know what that means? Our full feast mode is going to be activated while we celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. But, it's not a proper Thanksgiving without waking up to exciting celebrity performances and over-the-top floats weaving through the New York City streets. Sure, roasted turkey, savory side dishes (aka the real stars of the show), perfected holiday cakes, and cocktails aplenty are your classic turkey day traditions, but we think the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade should be added to that list. Here's everything we know so far about the world's largest parade and how you can watch it live.

But first, here's a little background on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

thousands of people participate in the 95th macys thanksgiving day parade on november 25, 2021 in new york city the parade has returned to its full size this year after being downsized and closed to the public in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic photo by alexi rosenfeldgetty images
Alexi Rosenfeld - Getty Images

The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in 1924 thanks to a group of Macy's employees who came up with the idea for the beloved event. Every year since, the parade has been held at the famous department store's Manhattan location in Herald Square. Each year, they didn't hesitate to pull out all the stops for onlookers. The first parade included elephants and other animals from the Central Park Zoo. Now, of course, they've continued to go the more animal-friendly route by trading in the gentle giants for giant floating balloons.

Where will the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade be this year?

Like years past, the big event will take place in Manhattan on Thursday, November 24, 2022 from 9 AM ET to Noon. Traditionally the parade follows a 2.5-mile route through New York City beginning at West 77th Street & Canal Park West on the west side of Central Park. It'll weave its way down Central Park, into the Theater District and end at Macy's Herald Square.

You can view the entire route and plan your perfect view here.

Okay, on to the good part—which floats, balloons and performers can watchers expect in 2022?

Parade watchers can expect Thanksgiving Day Parade mainstays like Santa, the golden Macy's star and of course Charlie Brown's furry friend, Snoopy. Last year's event marked the return of the renowned Radio City Rockettes since COVID and yes, they will be prancing through the New York City streets yet again.

macys thanksgiving day parade    2021    pictured radio city rockettes    photo by eric liebowitznbcnbcu photo bank via getty images
NBC - Getty Images

Including the debut of Fox Sports' FIFA World Cup inspired "Striker the U.S. Soccer Star" balloonicle, there will be plenty of new floats to "ooo" and "ahh" at (and yes, that includes an appearance from Baby Shark).

The entertainment doesn't end there. This year's impressive lineup of performers includes:

  • Betty Who

  • Big Time Rush

  • Cam

  • Fitz and the Tantrums

  • Gloria, Sasha and Emily Estefan

  • Jordin Sparks

  • Joss Stone

  • Kirk Franklin

  • Paula Abdul

  • Sean Paul

  • Ziggy Marley

  • Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

How to watch the 96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade traditionally airs nationwide on NBC and that's not changing anytime soon. You can catch the world's largest parade on Thursday, November 24 from 9 AM to Noon. If you're lucky enough to be in NYC at the time, there's over 2 miles of public viewing available. If you'd prefer to watch from the comfort of your flannel pajamas, it's as easy as turning on your TV, tuning in and getting mentally prepared for your holiday feast to follow.

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