Adored pop culture figures flying high over New York City for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade may not have Mother Nature on their side.
Smooth sailing is not a guarantee Thursday morning, as low temperatures and blustery winds seem poised to shake up what’s expected to be an otherwise dry holiday for the city.
Highs will only reach the low-to-mid 40s, but strong winds will make it feel much colder—with wind chills in the 30s. Wind gusts could hit 35 to 40 mph and could impact how high the giant parade balloons can fly or if they are grounded.
Friday looks even windier, with gusts possibly up to 45 mph and wind chills in the 20s. The weekend calms down a bit—Saturday looks dry and chilly, and then rain chances return late Sunday into Monday.
Our next storm could bring the season’s first significant accumulation of snow, although its still to early to say how much.
No matter the wind, the rest of the parade continues on rain or shine. The 28 floats, 11 marching bands, clown groups and musical performances will march on through the chilly conditions.
When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 8:30 a.m.
How long does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade run?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade runs until 12 p.m. on Thursday.
Where does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The parade begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m.
Take sneak peek at the some of new floats that will debut at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. There will be seven new floats this year, from a Netflix fan favorite, to a collectible that has become a worldwide phenomenon. NBC New York’s Gus Rosendale reports.
What is the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The parade starts on the Upper West Side at West 77th Street and Central Park West.
The balloons, floats and bands will then run along Central Park West from West 77th Street to West 59th Street. It will go around Columbus Circle and east on Central Park South.
From Central Park South, the parade will turn down 6th Avenue. The parade will run down 6th Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square on West 34th Street.
Where are the best spots to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade?
Spectators can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade along much of the route.
Some spots to consider viewing include Central Park West between West 60th and West 77th Streets, Central Park South, or on 6th Avenue between West 38th Streets and Central Park South.
There are a few areas that do not allow public viewing including:
West 77th Street and Central Park West (starting point)
Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets
Columbus Circle
6th Avenue between West 34th & West 38th Streets
West 34th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues