Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022 in NYC

Start Time, Route, Where to Watch

On Thursday, November 24 at 9:00 AM, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022 iconic spectacle will bring the nation together in celebration with a dazzling lineup featuring giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, show-stopping marching bands, high-spirited performance groups, whimsical clowns, music stars and the one-and-only Santa Claus.

This year’s 96th Macy’s Parade will feature more than 5,000 volunteers, 16 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 40 novelty and heritage inflatables, more than 700 clowns, 12 marching bands and 10 performance groups, a host of musical stars, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.

The Route Chart

For spectators wishing to enjoy the live spectacle in New York City, the parade kicks off from its traditional starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West. At 34th Street, the Parade will make its final turn west and end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.

Kickoff: West 77th Street and Central Park West at 9 am ET. No or limited public viewing here.

Central Park West: Early risers arrive starting at 6 am ET on the west side of Central Park West from West 75th to West 61st Streets. Great views can be found along this stretch. Please note – no public viewing on Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets.

Columbus Circle: The Parade turns here onto Central Park South. No public viewing here.

6th Avenue: Great views from West 59th to West 38th Streets!

Restricted viewing: Avoid watching on 6th Avenue between West 34th & West 38th Streets & on West 34th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues. The national television broadcast limits viewing here.

Macy’s Herald Square: The Parade makes its final turn & stops in front of Macy’s Herald Square. No public viewing here.

Public viewing will be set up along designated portions of the route and managed by the NYPD. Spectators should avoid bringing large bags, umbrellas, backpacks, and strollers.

Parade Balloons

Conceived during the Parade’s infancy, the giant character balloons have become a signature of the annual celebration.

Since 1927, the world’s most popular characters have been transformed into high-flying art in the sky. Originally inspired by marionettes, the Parade’s balloons first debuted as upside-down puppets filled with air, carried down the Parade route on sticks.

The design later evolved to include helium, making them high-flying giants.

New giants joining the line-up this year include Bluey by BBC Studios; Diary of A Wimpy Kid® by Abrams Books; DINO and Baby DINO by Sinclair Oil; and Stuart the Minion from Illumination.

The inflatable lineup also includes a new balloonicle of Striker, the U.S. Soccer Star by FOX Sports.

Floats and Bands

The Parade’s signature floats transport spectators to magical worlds. These creations take a theme to new heights bringing magic to the streets of New York City and into homes nationwide.

This year five new floats will debut in the Turkey Day celebration. The floating wonders along with their scheduled performers include Baby Shark by Pinkfong and Nickelodeon (Ziggy Marley); Geoffrey’s Dazzling Dance Party by Toys“R” Us (Jordin Sparks); People of First Light by Macy’s; Supersized Slumber by Netflix (Ballet Hispánico); and The Wondership by Wonder (Cam).

Bringing the beat to the holiday revelry will be a selection of the most gifted marching ensembles which includes the NYPD Marching Band.

Performers

Taking entertainment to the next level will be the Parade’s beloved performance groups that bring joy to the masses.

This year’s lineup will feature performances from the dazzling dancers of Ballet Hispánico, the hilarious Big Apple Circus, the rhythmic movement of Boss Kids, the artistry of the Fusion Winter Guard, two-steps and high kicks from the Kilgore Rangerettes, the puppeteering skills of Phantom Limb, the iconic stepping of The Sigma Gamma Rho Centennial Steppers, the energetic moves of the St. John’s Dance Team, and the exuberance of Spirit of America Cheer and Spirit of America Dance Stars.

The pomp and pageantry marching down the streets of New York City is only a portion of the day’s entertainment. Broadway’s best shows will also perform for the national broadcast audience. The show will kick off with a spectacular opening number from Lea Michele and the cast of Broadway’s Funny Girl.

Viewers nationwide can catch all the action for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022 via a special presentation on NBC and streaming on Peacock, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., in all time zones.

(Text and Image Courtesy: Foodgressing.com)

Image courtesy of Foodgressing.com

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