Happy Thanksgiving Day! The festivities begin with the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, starting on the Upper West Side and concluding at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.
While the tradition dates back to 1924, it’s important to note that the event was interrupted in 1942, 1943, and 1944 due to World War II, during which essential materials for the parade were redirected for war efforts. This year, the parade is rich in entertainment, featuring 22 floats, 17 character balloons, 15 heritage or novelty balloons, and over 700 clowns. Attendees can also look forward to performances from popular music artists, 11 marching bands, and 10 performance groups. Notably, renowned choreographer Shay Latukolan will oversee dance performances for Tom Turkey and Santa Claus along with three highlighted floats.
“The 98th Macy’s Parade lineup ensures there will be something for everyone during this iconic Thanksgiving Day celebration,” Macy’s said about the lineup.
Key information for this year’s parade includes its start time: the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to kick off at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 28. Regardless of the weather, the parade will proceed as planned.
The event will be broadcast live on NBC from 8:30 a.m. to noon for all time zones, with simulstreaming available on Peacock. For those unable to watch live, a repeat broadcast will air at 2 p.m. ET/PT. NBC’s “Today” show hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker will return to guide viewers through the festivities. To enhance inclusivity for visually impaired audiences, NBC will provide a live audio description of the parade through the Secondary Audio Program channel.
The 2024 parade promises an exciting lineup of new attractions, including six new balloon characters: Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, Goku from Dragon Ball, Marshall from PAW Patrol, and Spider-Man. Macy’s is especially thrilled to introduce Minnie Mouse to the parade, with executive producer Will Coss expressing his excitement about bringing the beloved character to life in balloon form.
In addition to the balloons, six new floats will make their debut, including “Candy Cosmos” by Haribo, “Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest” by Nickelodeon & Paramount, and a unique scented float created by Balsam Hill.
A star-studded lineup will also grace the parade stage this year, featuring performances by Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, and many others. The event aims to deliver a Thanksgiving experience filled with joy and inclusivity, bringing together people of all ages in a celebration that has become synonymous with the holiday itself.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade not only marks the beginning of the holiday season but also embodies the spirit of togetherness, making it a cherished tradition enjoyed by millions. As we gather today, let us appreciate the joy and unity that this special occasion brings to families and communities.