As Thanksgiving approaches, the excitement is palpable in the air, especially in New York City, where the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to dazzle audiences on November 28. This year’s parade promises a star-studded lineup that will have viewers tapping their toes and singing along from the comfort of their homes. With a parade route stretching from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Midtown, this annual tradition will feature an impressive array of floats, balloons, and performances that embody the spirit of the holiday.
Among the highlights of this year’s festivities is a remarkable roster of performers that includes some of today’s biggest names. Fans can look forward to seeing Alex Warren, Ariana Madix, Bishop Briggs, Charli D’Amelio, Chloe Bailey, Coco Jones, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, New Kids on the Block’s Joey McIntyre, Kylie Cantrall, Lea Salonga, and Liza Colón-Zayas from The Bear. This diverse lineup is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
Adding to the excitement are artists like Natti Natasha, Rachel Platten, Sebastián Yatra, T-Pain, Walker Hayes, Loud Luxury, Cynthia Erivo, and Cole Escola from Oh, Mary!, who will also grace the stage with their performances. With such a vibrant mix of talent, this year’s parade is poised to be one for the history books.
In addition to the musical acts, various performance groups will take part in the parade. Audiences can expect to see AUM Dance Creations, Black Haus Creative, BOSS Kids, Circus Vazquez, Indigenous Enterprise, Kilgore College Rangerettes, La Fuerza Dance Company, MOVE NYC Young Professionals Ensemble, Riverdance 30 – The New Generation, Spirit of America Cheerleaders and Dance Stars. Each group brings its unique flair and artistry to the event.
Of course, no Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade would be complete without its signature balloons. This year will feature beloved characters like Smokey Bear, Stuart the Minion, SpongeBob SquarePants with his trusty snail Gary, and the Pillsbury Doughboy. Fans will also be treated to a special surprise: for the first time ever, a balloon of Minnie Mouse will make its grand debut.
Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, expressed his excitement about introducing Minnie Mouse to this beloved tradition. “It has been a Macy’s Studios dream for quite some time,” he shared with USA Today. “The folks here on my team who’ve worked on the design couldn’t be more excited about bringing that character to life as a balloon in the sky.”
The parade will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock starting at 9 AM ET. Viewers across all time zones can join in on the fun as hosts Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb return to guide them through this festive celebration. Telemundo will also feature a simulcast hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.
With 22 balloons soaring high above the streets and 34 floats gliding by with style and flair—alongside 11 marching bands and 28 clown crews—the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a spectacular visual feast that captures the essence of Thanksgiving. This cherished event not only marks the beginning of the holiday season but also brings together families and friends in celebration.
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