NEW YORK — The festive atmosphere of the holiday season is beautifully marked by the arrival of iconic helium balloons as they drift through the skies of New York City. This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—which is only two years shy of its centenary—will showcase a vibrant array of entertainment, including 17 impressive character balloons, 22 elaborately designed floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 spirited marching bands, approximately 700 clowns, and 10 performance groups. This stellar event promises to gather more celebrities than can be seated around a dining table.
The parade begins in the Upper West Side of Manhattan and reaches its conclusion at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square on 34th Street, which will serve as the main stage for a variety of performances.
Here are some essential details regarding the parade and viewing options:
**What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade begin?**
For the second consecutive year, the parade is set to start at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on November 28.
**Which channel broadcasts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade?**
The event will be aired on NBC, accessible via antennas as well as through cable and satellite services.
**Is there a streaming option?**
For those without cable, the parade will also be streamed on Peacock, with a repeat airing available starting at 2 p.m. EST/PST. Telemundo will provide a Spanish-language simulcast of the festivities.
**What’s the weather forecast?**
Weather conditions are expected to be quite pleasant, with temperatures hovering in the upper-40s, overcast skies, and winds blowing at around 10 mph. In adherence to city regulations, Macy’s cannot operate the full-sized balloons if winds exceed 23 mph or gusts reach over 35 mph.
**Who are the star performers this year?**
This year’s lineup is particularly star-studded. Among the performers will be multi-talented Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony award winner Jennifer Hudson; global pop sensation and Grammy award winner Kylie Minogue; and the talented Billy Porter, who has also won prestigious awards.
**Are there additional performers?**
Indeed! The stage will also welcome reality television personality Ariana Madix, Broadway standout Idina Menzel, and hip-hop artist T-Pain, alongside members of the WNBA champion New York Liberty and the country duo Dan + Shay. Other performers will include The War and Treaty, Lea Salonga, Loud Luxury, The Temptations, Chlöe, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, and Coco Jones, with actress Alison Brie kicking off the festivities by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
**Who will be hosting the event?**
Television viewers will see familiar faces as Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker from “Today” lead the hosting duties. This year may carry added sentiment as it could mark Kotb’s final appearance, since she is set to conclude her tenure on “Today” on January 10.
**What new balloons can attendees expect?**
The parade will unveil six new character balloons, featuring beloved figures like Minnie Mouse, “Extraordinary Noorah” from The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Goku from “Dragon Ball,” Marshall from “Paw Patrol,” and a new iteration of Spider-Man.
**What are some of the exciting new floats?**
Several new floats will make their debut, including representations from Disney Cruise Line, Haribo, “Wednesday” from Netflix, Universal Orlando Resorts, and “The Grannies Car” from BBC Studios’ “Bluey.” Nickelodeon and Paramount’s “Dora the Explorer” will feature both a float and a balloon. One float will celebrate the Rao’s food brand, with a knight and dragon designed from actual pasta. Another will mark The Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary, showcasing a tiger, giraffe, zebra, and gorilla.
**Are any bands from various states participating?**
Indeed, the participating marching bands will represent several states, including Massachusetts, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, South Dakota, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia, and, of course, New York.