NYC News
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024 Brings New Performances, Floats, Balloons
November 1, 2024, 10:44.00 am ET
Photo: Macy's
The holiday season will officially kick off on Thursday, November 28, with the highly anticipated Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® beginning at 8:30 a.m. for its 98th march. Every year, this legendary event brings millions together to celebrate the magic of the season with iconic character balloons, whimsical floats, and outstanding performances. This year’s event promises to be the largest yet, featuring over 5,000 volunteers, 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 700 clowns, and star-studded entertainment.
Will Coss, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer, expressed excitement for the 98th event: "This year’s Parade will create awe with unforgettable character balloons, one-of-a-kind floats, and world-class entertainment only Macy’s can deliver.” Actress Alison Brie, star of Macy’s 2024 holiday campaign, will make a special appearance to kick off the Parade.
Star-Studded Performances and Broadway Highlights
This year’s lineup will feature music’s biggest stars, including Bishop Briggs, Dan + Shay, Chlöe, and Rachel Platten, as well as entertainment icons like Idina Menzel and The Temptations. Beloved social media personality Charli D’Amelio and renowned ballet dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia will captivate audiences, while popular Broadway shows “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” and “The Outsiders,” along with the Radio City Rockettes®, will add theatrical flair to the celebration.
High-Flying Balloons and Debut Characters
The iconic character balloons, a staple since 1927, return with new highlights. Debuting this year are beloved characters like Minnie Mouse, Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, Goku from Dragon Ball, and Spider-Man from Marvel. These new balloons, created through a six-month design process, will float alongside fan favorites down the streets of New York City.
Fantastical Floats Bring Imagination to Life
A creative team at Macy’s Studios has brought six new floats to life, each with unique themes and thrilling visuals. New floats include “Candy Cosmos” by Haribo, “Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest” by Nickelodeon, “Magic Meets the Seas” by Disney Cruise Line, and “Pasta Knight” by Rao’s Homemade. Classic floats like Santa’s Sleigh and Universal’s “Merry Moment” will also return.
Marching Bands, Performance Groups, and Cultural Dance
The Parade will feature marching bands from across the U.S., such as the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band and the Sioux Falls Lincoln High School “Patriot” Marching Band. Performance groups like Indigenous Enterprise and Riverdance (North American Tour) will add a diverse blend of dance and artistry, culminating in a showcase on 34th Street.
Parade Viewing Information
Catch the Parade on NBC and Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST, with a 2:00 p.m. encore. Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo, hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza, and an inclusive audio description on the SAP channel will ensure everyone can enjoy the event.
For more information and updates, visit macys.com/parade or follow @macys with #MacysParade across social networks for a behind-the-scenes look. This Thanksgiving, the Macy’s Parade will once again bring joy to millions as it celebrates nearly a century of holiday tradition.
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