What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start tomorrow
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade typically begins in New York City around 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with television coverage on NBC starting at 9 a.m. ET and live streaming available on NBC.com and the Macy’s app. While this 9 a.m. ET start is the standard in most years, the exact start time can vary slightly depending on the annual production schedule and local conditions. If you are asking about tomorrow, check the parade’s official website or NBC’s schedule for that specific year’s confirmed start time and any schedule adjustments.
Parade start time by year
Below is a table showing recent parade start times to illustrate the typical pattern and any schedule variations. Because the parade is a large-scale live event, planned start times are published each year and can change due to weather, scheduling updates, or broadcast decisions.
| Year | Date | Typical Start Time (ET) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 23 | 9:00 a.m. | Standard live broadcast start |
| 2022 | November 24 | 9:00 a.m. | Standard live broadcast start |
| 2021 | November 25 | 9:00 a.m. | Standard live broadcast start |
| 2020 | November 26 | 9:00 a.m. | Standard live broadcast start |
| 2019 | November 28 | 9:00 a.m. | Standard live broadcast start |
Where to watch the parade live tomorrow
To watch the parade live tomorrow, tune into NBC for televised coverage beginning near the stated start time, and stream via NBC’s official platforms. The parade is not carried on CBS, ABC, or other major broadcast networks in the U.S.
- Television: NBC national and local affiliates
- Streaming: NBC.com (with TV authentication), the NBC app, and the Macy’s app
- Radio: Local radio stations may provide coverage, but NBC is the primary national broadcaster
How the parade schedule works
The parade route along Central Park West from 77th Street to Central Park South is typically cleared and opened in the early morning, with balloons and performers staged ahead of the televised start. While the announced start time is 9 a.m. ET, minor adjustments can occur based on setup delays, weather, or other operational factors. The televised portions often include pre-show segments that begin slightly before the official start, and highlights or extended coverage may run afterward.
Key timing milestones to expect
- Pre-show and setup: begins as early as 6:00–7:00 a.m. ET
- Balloon inflation and staging: typically completed by 8:00–8:30 a.m. ET
- Televised parade start: around 9:00 a.m. ET
- Grand marshal and novelty balloons typically appear in the first two hours
What can change the start time
Inclement weather, operational delays, or broadcast decisions can shift the parade start time slightly from year to year. When asking about what time the parade starts tomorrow, always verify with current, official sources for that specific year, especially if you are planning to watch live or attend in person.
Tips for watching the parade tomorrow
- Check the official Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade website for that year’s confirmed start time and any last-minute updates.
- Monitor NBC’s published schedule and use television provider tools to confirm local channel numbers and streaming access.
- If attending in person, arrive at viewing locations early to secure a good spot, as streets close hours before the start.
- Set reminders for pre-show coverage if you want to see behind-the-scenes preparation and balloon inflation.
Why start times matter for viewers and attendees
Knowing the start time helps you plan viewing logistics, coordinate with others, and avoid missing key moments such as the appearance of iconic balloons, performances, and the Grand Marshal arrival. For in-person attendees, the start time affects street closures, public transit, and parking availability, so confirming the official time is essential.