{"id":1732,"date":"2026-10-14T19:46:38","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T19:46:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arlohotels.com\/nomad\/?p=1732"},"modified":"2026-10-14T19:46:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T19:46:40","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-before-watching-the-thanksgiving-day-parade-in-nyc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arlohotels.com\/nomad\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-before-watching-the-thanksgiving-day-parade-in-nyc\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know Before Watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC turns Manhattan into a giant street party every November, and this year\u2019s edition carries extra weight. The 2026 procession marks the 100th NYC Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade<\/a>, so crowds will arrive early and fill the sidewalks fast. Use this guide to plan your morning, pick a viewing spot, and reach it easily from Arlo NoMad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade Starts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and the final groups reach the finish around noon. Street viewing costs nothing, so anyone can join the crowd along the route. Spectators start claiming curb space as early as 6 a.m., so set an alarm and dress for a chilly wait. If you prefer a warm room, NBC<\/a> broadcasts the parade live, and Peacock<\/a> streams it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Makes This Year\u2019s Parade Special<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first Macy\u2019s parade marched through Manhattan in 1924, and three wartime cancellations in 1942, 1943, and 1944 pushed the 100th edition back to 2026. Early lineup reports Sorcerer\u2019s Apprentice Mickey, Joe Cool & Woodstock, and Bluey as a new character, and Macy\u2019s may still adjust the lineup, so check its website<\/a> before Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the Thanksgiving Day Parade Route in NYC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Thanksgiving Day Parade route in NYC stretches about 2.5 miles. Marchers begin at West 77th Street and Central Park West, head south to Columbus Circle, turn east onto Central Park South, and then roll down Sixth Avenue to Macy\u2019s Herald Square at 34th Street. Santa Claus closes the show, and his arrival officially starts the holiday season in New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Watch the Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Central Park West between 62nd and 72nd Streets usually offers good views with smaller crowds than the finish line. Herald Square draws the biggest crowds, and invited guests fill its grandstands, so aim for a spot farther up the route. Sixth Avenue near Herald Square puts you on the route with a short walk from Arlo NoMad. If you can\u2019t find a gap on Sixth Avenue, walk one more block, because the giant balloons tower over the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking and Rideshare Distances From Arlo NoMad<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Arlo NoMad stands at 11 East 31st Street, which puts the parade\u2019s finish within easy reach. Here are your options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n