Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Grand Tradition Returns for Its 99th Year
The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to grace the streets of Manhattan for its 99th iteration, promising a feast of festive floats, vibrant balloons, and live performances on November 28, 2024. This much-anticipated event continues to unite families across the nation as it streamlines its signature magic into a spectacular display.
Key Points / What’s New
- Over 5,000 volunteers will participate, showcasing 34 balloons and 28 floats.
- Stars like Cynthia Erivo and Darlene Love are set to perform live during the parade.
- New balloon characters include Buzz Lightyear and PAC-MAN, alongside classic favorites.
- The parade route spans 2.5 miles, commencing at West 77th Street and ending at Macy’s Herald Square.
Highlights of This Year’s Parade
This year’s festivities will feature an impressive array of elements, including 34 massive balloons and 28 colorful floats. More than 5,000 dedicated volunteers are slated to participate, each contributing to the event’s legendary charm. Notable performances will include a “show-stopping opening number” by Cynthia Erivo, joined by musical artists such as Darlene Love, Ciara, and Busta Rhymes, creating a rich entertainment experience.
In a nod to its storied past, Macy’s will reintroduce historic balloon designs ahead of the parade’s centennial in 2026. Iconic characters like Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, as well as Freida the Dachshund, will join newcomers like Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story” and Shrek’s Onion Carriage. Fans of the parade can also look forward to beloved characters, including Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants, gracing the sky.
Viewing and Broadcast Details
The parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. across all time zones, leading spectators on a 2.5-mile route from West 77th Street to Macy’s Herald Square. For those wishing to attend in person, prime viewing spots are available along West 59th to West 38th streets. Early risers may want to arrive by 6 a.m. to secure a good vantage point.
NBC and Peacock will stream the parade live on Thanksgiving morning, with an encore showing at 2 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, Telemundo will provide a Spanish-language simulcast. For visually impaired viewers,NBC will offer a full broadcast of the parade on its SAP (Secondary Audio Program) channel.
Background
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade first debuted in 1924, originally named the Macy’s Christmas Parade. It featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo and aimed to attract holiday shoppers to the department store. In 1927, due to safety concerns, live animals were replaced by the now-famous oversized balloons. This time-honored tradition has become synonymous with Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States, exemplifying community spirit and the joy of family gatherings.
