NEW YORK, October 20, 2026 — Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is preparing for its landmark 100th edition on November 26, with a record 100 inflatable elements, new Bluey and Hello Kitty balloons, historic character returns and special floats planned for Manhattan.
The centennial celebration will bring together generations of familiar characters, marching bands and holiday performers. NBC, Peacock and Telemundo will carry the event, giving families across the United States several ways to watch Thanksgiving morning.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026 Date and TV Schedule
The parade takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, in New York City. Coverage begins at 8:30 a.m. in all U.S. time zones, according to Macy’s announcement.
The supplied event schedule lists an Eastern broadcast window ending at noon. Viewers should check local listings for exact coverage and streaming availability.
The official Macy’s parade website provides lineup announcements and event information.
Bluey, Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse Join the Balloon Lineup
Four new giant balloon designs headline the celebration: Bluey, Hello Kitty, Joe Cool and Woodstock, and Disney’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey.
Bluey’s redesigned balloon wears a festive crown inspired by the animated series’ Christmas Swim episode. Measuring approximately 47 feet tall, it will be accompanied by a New York visit from voice actors Melanie Zanetti and Dave McCormack.
Hello Kitty returns with a new design featuring a red apple, a tribute to New York City’s Big Apple nickname.
Other new inflatable attractions include Billie Brightpaw, Macy’s Blueprint Stars, a Levi’s balloonicle and the Blue Hippopotamus.
Spider-Man, SpongeBob and Pokémon Return
Returning giant balloons include Spider-Man, SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary, Mario, Goku, Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Pikachu and Eevee, and the Pillsbury Doughboy.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Gabby and Pandy Paws, Marshall from PAW Patrol, Noorah and Shrek’s Onion Carriage are also listed.
Additional featured balloons include Dora, Derpy Tiger from KPop Demon Hunters, Felix the Cat, Smokey Bear, Haribo Goldbear and Underdog.
The announced 100 inflatables do not mean 100 giant character balloons. The figure covers different inflatable categories, including novelty balloons, balloonicles and other specialty designs.
Historic Balloons Return for the 100th Celebration
Macy’s is bringing back several characters connected to the parade’s history.
Underdog returns to the skyline for the first time since 1984, while Felix the Cat recalls the first character balloon introduced in 1927.
Bullwinkle J. Moose, Popeye, Olive Oyl, Swee’Pea and Sonic the Hedgehog are also expected aboard the anniversary-themed Macy’s Parade All-Stars float.
The Blue Hippopotamus returns as a tribute to a balloon that disappeared following the 1931 parade.
Seven New Floats Include Hogwarts Holiday
The supplied lineup identifies seven new floats: Hogwarts Holiday, Dashing All the Way, Macy’s Parade All-Stars, Mr. Peanut’s Power Plant, Road Trip to Parade!, Tom Jr. and Tony Sarg’s Amazing Marionettes.
HBO’s Hogwarts Holiday features a Harry Potter-inspired Great Hall setting, while Tony Sarg’s Amazing Marionettes honors the puppeteer whose creativity helped shape the parade’s early years.
Returning floats include Sesame Street, LEGO’s Brick-tastic Winter Mountain, Disney Cruise Line’s Magic Meets the Seas, Tom Turkey and Santa’s Sleigh.
Marching Bands, Rockettes and Celebrity Performers
Ten marching bands are listed, including the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band, University of Illinois Marching Illini, NYPD Marching Band and Macy’s Great American Marching Band.
School and community bands from Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Hawaii, Texas and Connecticut are also scheduled.
The Radio City Rockettes are listed for the opening hour, alongside Spirit of America performance groups.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, Captain Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Geoffrey the Giraffe are among the planned character appearances. A complete celebrity musical lineup has not yet been established in the supplied information.
100th Anniversary Celebrations and Parade History
Macy’s launched a 100-day countdown in August, introducing commemorative merchandise, special balloon displays and opportunities for fans to share parade memories.
The event marks the parade’s 100th edition rather than 100 consecutive years. The tradition began in 1924 but was suspended during World War II.
For readers following other major television events, the 2027 Golden Globes schedule and 2026–2027 awards season calendar offer additional entertainment dates.
NYC Parade Route, Public Viewing and Latest Updates
Visitors should check official viewing areas, street closures and transportation arrangements before travelling to Manhattan. Previous parade routes and balloon-inflation hours should not be assumed to apply in 2026.
With Thanksgiving approaching, Macy’s may announce further performers and logistical details. The lineup remains subject to change, making official updates particularly important for families planning to attend.
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