One of America’s most magical holiday traditions is celebrating a huge milestone in 2026, as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes to the streets of New York City for the 100th time.
Written 5th October 2026 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
On Thursday, November 26, 2026, millions of people will watch as giant balloons, spectacular floats, marching bands and performers make their way through Manhattan for a very special edition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
And while Thanksgiving might be in the name, for many families the parade marks something even more exciting: the unofficial beginning of the Christmas season.
Image credit: https://www.macyseventmedia.com/paradehome
100 Macy’s Parades
The first Macy’s parade took place in New York City on November 27, 1924, when Macy’s employees dressed in colourful costumes and marched towards the famous Herald Square store alongside bands and animals from Central Park Zoo.
Around 10,000 spectators reportedly watched that very first parade.
More than a century later, it has grown into one of the biggest holiday spectacles in the world.
So why is 2026 the 100th parade when the tradition started 102 years ago?
There were no Macy’s parades between 1942 and 1944 during World War II, when materials including rubber and helium were required for the war effort.
That means the milestone arrives in 2026: the 100th time the parade itself has actually taken place.
Image credit: https://www.macyseventmedia.com/paradehome
Macy’s Is Going Big for the 100th Parade
Macy’s has already begun revealing plans for the historic celebration, and this year's parade is set to include an incredible 100 inflatables — bringing together familiar favourites with brand-new creations.
Among the balloons announced so far are Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey, Mario, Spider-Man, Buzz Lightyear, Pikachu and Eevee, SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary, PAC-MAN, and new Macy’s character Billie Brightpaw.
There will also be plenty happening at street level.
The float line-up includes a new Hogwarts Holiday float inspired by the Great Hall, alongside an elaborate tribute to Tony Sarg, the puppeteer and designer whose work played an important role in the early history of the Macy’s Parade.
And Macy’s says there is still more to be announced ahead of November.
Image credit: https://macysthanksgiving.fandom.com/wiki/Santa_Claus
The Moment Christmas Officially Begins
For Christmas fans, however, one of the most important moments comes right at the end.
Traditionally, the parade concludes with the arrival of Santa Claus at Macy’s Herald Square.
It is a moment that has come to symbolise the beginning of the Christmas season in America — once Santa arrives, Christmas has well and truly begun.
In fact, the original 1924 event helped welcome Santa to Macy’s and unveil the store's Christmas windows, so the connection between the parade and Christmas stretches right back to the very beginning.
Nearly 100 parades later, seeing Santa travelling through New York surrounded by enormous balloons, Christmas decorations and cheering crowds remains one of those unmistakably festive moments of the year.
A Very Special Thanksgiving in 2026
There are certain Christmas traditions that seem almost timeless, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become one of them.
Generations of families have grown up watching it together, and the 100th parade gives 2026's celebration an extra bit of Christmas magic.
Expect nostalgia, new balloons, huge floats, plenty of surprises and — eventually — that all-important first appearance of Santa.
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
And when Santa reaches Herald Square, we think it's perfectly acceptable to declare:
Christmas has officially begun. 🎅🎄
