‘Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2021: Time, How to Watch, and More
After last year’s pandemic disruptions, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning to form in 2021. The crowds will be back on the streets of New York City as 28 floats, 15 character balloons, and hundreds of performers travel 2½ miles from Central Park West to Macy’s flagship Herald Square location. Of course, even if you’re not in the Big Apple, you can watch the event on NBC. And this year, for the first time, you can stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Peacock.
The 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 9 a.m. on NBC
The 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on Thursday, Nov. 25 on NBC. The broadcast runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in all time zones. A Spanish-language simulcast will air on Telemundo. And for the first time, there will be a livestream of the Macy’s parade on Peacock. An encore presentation of the parade airs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Today Show’s Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb will host the NBC telecast Ana Jurka and Carlos Adyan will host for Telemundo. The parade will be followed by National Dog Show hosted by Seinfeld‘s John O’Hurley.
Who is performing at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade?
The 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features a jam-packed lineup of performers, including K-pop group aespa, Darren Criss, Kelly Rowland, Foreigner, Mickey Guyton, Nelly, Rob Thomas, Kristin Chenoweth, and the cast of Peacock’s Girls5eva. The Broadway casts of Six, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Wicked will also be on hand, as will the Rockettes. Ten of the best high school and college marching bands will also participate in the parade, as will students from Ballet Hispánico’s School of Dance, the St. John’s Dance Team, and the Spirit of America Cheer and Spirit of America Dance Stars.
“For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created a spectacle to remember featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats, and incredible performers,” said Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in a statement. “We can’t wait to help New York City and the nation kick off the holiday season with the return of this cherished tradition.”
Baby Yoda makes his Macy’s parade debut
Several new balloons will make their debut at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, including The Mandalorian’s Baby Yoda (aka Grogu). Other new balloons include Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist; Ronald McDonald; and Pikachu and Eevee from Pokémon.
Additional balloons include Astronaut Snoopy, Chase from Paw Patrol, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Red Titan from Ryan’s World, the Sinclair Dino, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Smokey Bear.
Six new floats will also make their debut at the 2021 parade: Birds of a Feather Stream Together by Peacock; Celebration Gator by Louisiana Office of Tourism; Colossal Wave of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions; Gravy Pirates by Heinz; Magic Meets the Sea by Disney Cruise Line; and Tiptoe’s North Pole.
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