The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will march through New York City again Thursday, boasting 34 balloons, 28 floats and a top-notch lineup of performers.
NBC’s “TODAY” show stars Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will return to host the broadcast this year.
What’s the parade route?
The parade starts on West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. ET and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street at noon ET.
Early risers start arriving at 6 a.m., according to the parade website.
The parade marches 2½ miles through New York City, with designated public viewing areas along the route.
- Central Park West: Great views can be found along Central Park West from West 75th to West 63rd streets. There is no public viewing on Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th streets, however.
- West 59th Street: The south side of West 59th Street between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue offers great views.
- Sixth Avenue: Spectators can find excellent views from West 59th to West 38th streets, but they should avoid the area on Sixth Avenue between West 34th and West 38th streets, where viewing is limited.
How are the balloons prepared for flight?
Catch a sneak peek of Macy’s signature giant character balloons as they come to life on Thanksgiving eve.
From 1 to 6 p.m. ET Wednesday, Macy’s offers the opportunity for members of the public to get a behind-the-scenes look at parade preparation.
The line will open at noon at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue, where viewers will head to West 77th Street and Central Park West to see the balloons being blown up. The route continues across West 77th Street, then north on Columbus Avenue to West 81st Street.
Viewers will exit the inflation area at West 81st Street and Central Park West and continue north on Central Park West to see the float assembly between West 81st and West 86th streets.
How can it be watched at home?
NBC and Peacock will broadcast the parade starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. The broadcast will end at noon, with an encore telecast airing at 2 p.m.
In addition to the main celebration being hosted by Guthrie, Kotb and Roker, a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by the network’s Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow.
Who is performing this year?
The parade will feature 28 performers, 11 marching bands, 33 clown crews and nine performance groups.
“Wicked: For Good” star Cynthia Erivo will begin the broadcast with a touch of magic by performing the opening number.
Country superstar Lainey Wilson, who is concluding her sold-out “Whirlwind World Tour” this month, will perform her hits in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” will also take the stage.
Other must-see performers include Ciara, Callum Scott, Colbie Caillat, Russell Dickerson, Darlene Love, Busta Rhymes, Lauren Spencer Smith and “Hamilton” star Christopher Jackson.
What’s new this year?
Four new character balloons will be showcased this year, including Buzz Lightyear by Pixar Animation Studios; Pac-Man by Bandai Namco Entertainment America; Shrek’s Onion Carriage from Universal Pictures’ DreamWorks Animation; and Mario by Nintendo.
Derpy Tiger and Sussie from “KPop Demon Hunters” will also join the lineup as a midsized balloon and balloonicle.
The parade will welcome back a new trio of hippos descended from Happy Hippo’s past with a first-of-its-kind balloonicle.
The Frost Pips from the Elf on the Shelf Santaverse will make their debut this year as the parade’s largest-ever balloonicle.
The parade will feature six new floats, including The Land of Ice & Wonder by Holland America Line, Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by the Lego Group, Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt, Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things by Netflix, Friends-giving in POP CITY by Pop Mart and the Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator by Serta.
The new floats will join a lineup of returning fan favorites, with Santa’s Sleigh taking up the rear and closing out the parade.