Everything to Know About the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, and a lineup of performers including Bishop Briggs, Dan + Shay, Idina Menzel, and more.
Float your way into the holiday season with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! The annual spectacle will once again be marching down the streets of New York City with signature giant character balloons, festive floats, performers and the one and only Santa Claus. This year marks the 98th edition of the parade, which began in 1924 and has become a beloved tradition.
"The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season for millions of live spectators and viewers across the country," Will Coss, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer, said in a statement. "A dedicated team of artisans and production experts at Macy's Studios work year-round to bring this experience to life. This year's 98th Macy's Parade will create awe with unforgettable character balloons, one-of-a-kind floats and the world-class entertainment only Macy's can deliver."
This year's lineup is described as "the largest yet" featuring 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 11 marching bands and more!
From the performers and new additions, here is everything to know about the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
When is the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The iconic parade is happening on Thursday, Nov. 28.
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What time does the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
Last year, for the first time, the broadcast began thirty minutes earlier at 8:30 a.m. The 2024 parade will start at that same time this year, so set your alarm clocks!
How to watch the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC.
Related: Take a Look Back at the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons
How to stream the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
For cord-cutters, the parade will also stream on Peacock.
Who is hosting the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
TODAY 's Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotband Al Roker are returning to host the telecast.
An illustration of the "Wondrous World of Wildlife" float in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Courtesy of Macy's
Will there be new floats at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Yes! Six new floats will be making their debut in this year's parade. One of them is the Bronx Zoo's "Wondrous World of Wildlife" float, which celebrates the zoo's animals and beloved exhibits.
Disney Cruise Line
A new float from Disney Cruise Line will also be setting sail on Thanksgiving with Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse onboard, joined by Disney Animation, Pixar and Marvel characters. The "Magic Meets the Seas" float highlights DCL's growing fleet, with the focal point being the Disney Treasure, which launches in December .
The other new floats include Candy Cosmos by Haribo; Dora's Fantastical Rainforest by Nickelodeon & Paramount; Pasta Knight by Rao's Homemade; and Wednesday's Feast by Netflix.
There will also be new specialty units at the 2024 parade: Strikes Again by Go Bowling! ™ ; The Garriage by Nickelodeon, a whimsical carriage modeled after SpongeBob's pet snail; and The Grannies Car from BBC Studios' Bluey .
Courtesy of Macy's
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Courtesy of Macy's
Will there be new balloons at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Parade watchers can expect to see six new character balloons this year! Spider-Man will be returning to the parade will an all-new balloon, inspired by comic book artist John Romita Sr.'s art . "Ever since Marvel Comics #1 hit stands in 1939, Marvel's home has always been New York. So when the opportunity to work with Macy's came about to bring one of our most iconic characters back to one of the most emblematic events of New York City, we knew this was the perfect fit for Spidey and our brand's legacy," Chris Fondacaro, Head of Marvel Franchise, said in a press release. "We're absolutely thrilled to celebrate our roots and our fans while honoring one of the most indelible comic book creators from Marvel Comics: John Romita Sr."
For the first time, Minnie Mouse will make her debut as a character balloon in the parade—Macy's announced in October a holiday collaboration with Disney with limited-edition products available at Macy's
Extraordinary Noorah ™ & The Elf on the Shelf ® by The Lumistella Company; Gabby by DreamWorks Animation; Goku by Dragon Ball/Toei Animation; and Marshall by Nickelodeon™and Spin Master will also be taking flight on Thanksgiving.
Who will be performing at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
This year's parade will feature Bishop Briggs, Kylie Cantrall, Chlöe, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Coco Jones, Walker Hayes, Ariana Madix, Joey McIntyre, Idina Menzel, Natti Natasha, T-Pain, Rachel Platten, Lea Salonga, The Temptations, The War and Treaty, Alex Warrenand Sebastián Yatra,in addition to Charli D'Amelioand ballet dancers Tiler Peckand Roman Mejia.
The broadcast will also include performances from the iconic Radio City Rockettes and the Broadway shows Death Becomes Her, Hell's Kitchen and The Outsiders.
Circus Vazquez; Riverdance (North American Tour and Academy) , AUM Dance Creations (Bridgewater, NJ), Black Haus Creative (New York, NY), BOSS Kids (New York, NY), Indigenous Enterprise (Phoenix, AZ), Kilgore College Rangerettes (Kilgore, TX), MOVE NYC (New York, NY) along with 700 dancers and cheerleaders of Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer are all set to perform, too!
What marching bands will be at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band (Amherst, MA), Avon Marching Black & Gold (Avon, IN), East Tennessee State University Marching Buccaneers (Johnson City, TN), Flower Mound High School Marching Band (Flower Mound, TX), The Lake Hamilton High School Marching Band (Hot Springs, AR), Sioux Falls Lincoln High School "Patriot" Marching Band (Sioux Falls, SD), The Majestic Marching Cardinals of Jonesboro High School (Morrow, GA), Macy's Great American Marching Band (United States), The Carolina Band of the University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) and "the Pride of West Virginia"-The Mountaineer Marching Band (Morgantown, WV) and the NYPD Marching Band will be performing in the parade.
Will other stars be at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Jonathan Bennett, Liza Colón-Zayas, Tom Kenny, Ginna Claire Mason, as well as members of the New York Liberty with Ellie the Elephant will be making special appearances at the celebration.
Actress Alison Brie, who is the star of the Macy's 2024 holiday campaign, will kick off the festivities by cutting the ribbon at the beginning of the parade.
Where does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begin?
The parade starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West.
What is the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route?
There are 2.5 miles of public viewing along the parade route in New York City. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins on the Upper West Side at 77th Street and Central Park West and from there travels to Columbus Circle where it turns onto Central Park South and then heads south on 6thAvenue. The parade makes its final turn on 34th Street and stops in front of Macy's Herald Square.
Next, Before Digging In, Here Are 50 Funny, Faith-Filled, and Festive Thanksgiving Prayers
