NEW YORK — As the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marks its 100th anniversary, the beloved holiday event is set to take place this Thursday in New York City, bringing along new balloons featuring Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse, along with whimsical floats inspired by zoos and pasta. The festivities will include captivating performances by renowned artists like Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel, making for an exciting day.
The current edition of the parade is a dramatic evolution from its original version, which back in 1924 presented floats showcasing classic fairy tales, including imagery from Mother Goose and Little Red Riding Hood. However, some traditions remain untouched; the parade will once again feature a variety of marching bands and a multitude of clowns, culminating with the iconic appearance of Santa Claus, signaling the start of the holiday season.
This year’s celebration boasts an impressive lineup with 17 giant helium balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups, alongside acclaimed singers and actors. Additionally, the WNBA champion team, the New York Liberty, will also be part of the festivities.
Among the new floats this year is one dedicated to the Rao’s food brand, featuring an imaginative scene of a knight battling a dragon constructed entirely from pasta. Another float celebrates the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary by highlighting animals including a tiger, giraffe, zebra, and gorilla.
Will Coss, the executive producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, expressed the motivation behind the event, stating, “The work that we do, the opportunity to impact millions of people and bring a bit of joy for a couple of hours on Thanksgiving morning, is what motivates us every day.”
The parade will commence at 8:30 a.m. from Manhattan’s Upper West Side and will travel 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) concluding around noon at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which serves as both a stage and a scenic backdrop for various performances.
The celebration will proceed regardless of the weather—historically, it has only been canceled three times due to World War II between 1942 and 1944. However, organizers will be vigilant about wind conditions to ensure the safety of the massive balloons throughout the parade. Current predictions indicate the potential for rain with temperatures in the upper 40s, along with winds of approximately 10 mph (16 kph), well within the limits that allow for characters like Snoopy and Bluey to take to the skies. New York City regulations dictate that full-sized balloons cannot be flown in conditions where sustained winds exceed 23 mph (37 kph) or if wind gusts surpass 35 mph (56 kph).
For viewers at home, NBC will broadcast the parade hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, with a streaming option available on Peacock. Additionally, a Spanish simulcast will be provided by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza on Telemundo.