It’s that time of the year again! Everything you need to know about the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Another year passes and as the air carries the crisp scent of autumn, our thoughts inevitably turn to the festive season and its cherished traditions. One such tradition that has captured the hearts of millions around the world is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This year, the 98th annual parade promises to dazzle spectators with an array of floats, balloons, and performances that encapsulate the spirit of Thanksgiving and the onset of the holiday season.



Some of you might have fond memories of gathering around the television to watch the parade, or perhaps even braving the November chill to witness the magic on the streets of New York City.

Nevertheless, the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an event not to be missed. And the best part? You can enjoy every moment from the warmth and comfort of your own home.

Millions of Americans come together in New York City every year to watch this amazing show, and according to the Hollywood Reporter, around 30 million decided to watch it from the comfort of their own homes in 2023.

The parade is set to take place on November 28, 2024, and will feature a star-studded lineup, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by actress Alison Brie.

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a staple of American culture since its inception in 1924. Image source: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade FANS.



Known for her roles in GLOW and Community, Brie expressed her excitement about the event, noting the parade's iconic status in American culture. "I feel like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is like definition monoculture," Brie said in October 2024.

As we've come to expect, the parade will showcase a mix of classic and new character balloons. The beloved Snoopy balloon will make its appearance, alongside newcomers such as Minnie Mouse and Marshall from PAW Patrol. The superhero Spider-Man is also slated to return, swinging high above the streets after a brief hiatus.

But what about the floats? The creativity and craftsmanship that go into these moving stages are nothing short of extraordinary.

This year, audiences will be treated to the debut of the Pasta Knight float from Rao's Homemade and the Candy Cosmos float from Haribo, complete with a golden gummy bear astronaut. The Netflix Wednesday float is sure to draw laughs with its depiction of Wednesday Addams playing a prank on her brother Pugsley.



Brendan Kennedy, the parade’s creative director, revealed that “2,000 gallons of paint, 200 pounds of glitter and 300 pounds of confetti were used for the 2024 floats.”

For those who prefer the musical elements of the parade, the lineup is equally impressive.

Idina Menzel will perform a number from her upcoming Broadway musical Redwood, while T-Pain is set to entertain on the Jennie-O turkey brand float. The Radio City Rockettes will bring their precision dance moves to the parade, and the casts of Wicked and other Broadway shows will perform, adding a touch of theatrical magic to the festivities. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance!

Now, let's talk about how to watch the parade. The event will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to noon across all time zones, and will be hosted by Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker.


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Many musical artists shall perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024. Image source: Rockettes via Facebook.



For those who might be busy in the kitchen preparing the Thanksgiving feast, an encore presentation will air at 2 p.m. ET/PT. Spanish-speaking viewers can enjoy the parade on Telemundo, with hosts Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.

The parade will start from West 77th Street and Central Park West then crawl its way to Macy’s Herald Square via Sixth Avenue.

As we anticipate the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we're reminded of the joy and togetherness that this event brings. Whether you're watching for the first time or continuing a lifelong tradition, the parade is a spectacle that unites us in celebration and gratitude.



Key Takeaways
  • Actress Alison Brie is scheduled to cut the ribbon to start the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
  • The parade will feature new character balloons and floats, along with performances by the Radio City Rockettes and appearances by the Wicked cast and Santa Claus.
  • The event will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, with an encore presentation and separate Spanish coverage on Telemundo.
  • New floats and balloons will be part of the parade, including a Pasta Knight float from Rao's Homemade and a Candy Cosmos float from Haribo, as well as the return of iconic balloons like Spider-Man and the debut of Minnie Mouse.

What are your favorite memories of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Do you have any special traditions for watching it at home? Share your stories in the comments below!
 

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