2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Channel, Start Time, How to Stream, Performers, and More
Thanksgiving is almost here, which means it’s time for one of the most-anticipated events of the holiday season: The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Every year, dozens of balloons, floats, marching bands, and performance groups usher in the Christmas season with a star-studded parade in New York City. It’s a tradition dating back 100 years. In 1924, Macy’s celebrated the opening of its expanded flagship Herald Square store with a parade of floats, clowns, and animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. The balloons were added in 1927, and the big event has continued to delight New Yorkers and people around the country nearly every year since.
The 98th edition of the parade will feature balloons new and old, performances by stars such as Jennifer Hudson and Billy Porter, and, of course, an appearance from Santa Claus himself. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What time does the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 8:30 a.m. ET.
The parade follows a 2½-mile route through Manhattan. It begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West, then continues south down Central Park West to Columbus Circle. At Columbus Circle, the parade turns east on Central Park South. Once the parade reaches 6th Avenue, it turns south and continues to 34th Street, making its way to Macy’s Herald Square.
If you’re in NYC, you can view the parade in person. No tickets are required, though viewing is restricted in some areas.
How can I watch this year’s Thanksgiving parade?
Most people will watch this year’s parade from the comfort of their couch. The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air live on NBC from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday, Nov. 28. Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker host the big event.
The parade will also stream live on Peacock and air again on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT. A Spanish language simulcast will air on Telemundo and be hosted by the network’s Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.
Who is performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024?
Once again, Macy’s has put together a star-studded lineup of talent and performers for this year’s parade. The list includes Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, 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 Warren, Sebastián Yatra, and Charli D’Amelio.
Alison Brie and Hallmark star Jonathan Bennett will also make appearances, along with Liza Colón-Zayas, Tom Kenny, Ginna Claire Mason and members of WNBA Champions New York Liberty. There will also be performances from the Broadway casts of Death Becomes Her, Hell’s Kitchen, and The Outsiders, as well as the Radio City Rockettes. Eleven marching bands and 10 performance groups will also march in the parade.
Are there new balloons at this year’s Macy’s parade?
In 2024, the parade will feature 17 character balloons and 15 heritage and novelty balloons, as well as 22 floats.
Six balloons are making their debut in this year’s parade: Disney’s Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah and The Elf on the Shelf by The Lumistella Company; Gabby by DreamWorks Animation; Goku by Dragon Ball/Toei Animation; Marshall by Nickelodeon and Spin Master, and Spider-Man by Marvel.
Source: History.com.
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