Macy's unveils lineup for 100th Thanksgiving parade
The centennial event will feature 100 inflatables, a Dolly Parton tribute, and a new documentary airing next week.
By Simon Bennett ·
Exactly 100 inflatables will float down the streets of Manhattan during the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27. The event marks a century since the tradition began in 1924, with only a three-year interruption during World War II.
Macy's chief marketing officer Sharon Otterman described the event as a celebration of unprecedented scale. She said the company aims to deliver an unforgettable Thanksgiving for millions of viewers across the country. The lineup includes a record number of airborne characters, a specific nod to the milestone year.
Musical guests for the procession include Megan Moroney, Teddy Swims, Queen Latifah, and Keke Palmer. Jimmy Fallon and The Roots will also perform. The parade features a tribute to Dolly Parton led by Megan Hilty. Special appearances are scheduled for Melissa Joan Hart, Jack McBrayer, Janet McTeer, and the Peete family. Santa Claus will lead the final segment.
New balloons and inflatable elements include Bluey, Scooby-Doo, and Hello Kitty. Levi's is introducing Fuzzyeti's Fur Wheel Drive, a new balloonicle. Macy's Studios created a new character named Billie Brightpaw, a bear described as cheerful and curious. Other new characters include Buckaroo Bob the Minion and Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey.
Six new floats will appear in the 2026 lineup. These include a DoorDash theme, a Hogwarts Holiday float with HBO, and a Planters Mr. Peanut Power Plant. A GEICO road trip float and a Purina Dog Chow salute to service dogs are also confirmed. Macy's Tony Sarg's Amazing Marionettes will return as well.
The broadcast team for NBC and Peacock includes Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. A Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow. The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on Nov. 27.
A new documentary titled "America's Parade: 100 Years of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" will air on NBC on Nov. 20. It will begin streaming on Peacock the following day. The film includes interviews with Billy Porter and Andrew Rannells. Marching bands from nine states and the New York Police Department will participate in the march.
