We’re still one day away from the 98th edition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but don’t worry.
Those who can’t wait another 24 hours can tune in to the “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” which airs live on Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on both NBC and Peacock.
The one-hour special will be hosted by Wendi McLendon-Covey and will give viewers “a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the iconic event,” according to Today.com.
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But that’s just a teaser of what’s to come on Thanksgiving Day.
The annual parade, which first started in 1924, will be hosted by Today veterans Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.
Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza will host a simulcast on Telemundo, and actor Alison Brie will do the honors of cutting the ribbon to kick off the event.
“I feel like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is like definition monoculture,” Brie said in an October interview with People.
“I can just picture the huge Snoopy balloon. It’s etched into my brain, [for] as long as I can remember. So, I’m so excited to be doing that,” she added.
Those who aren’t attending the parade can catch all the action on NBC and Peacock on Nov. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones.
If that’s too early for you, there will be an encore presentation starting at 2:00 p.m. in your local area.
According to NBC News, the parade “begins on West 77th Street & Central Park West” and “ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street.”
Fans are expected to be lined up and down the 2.5 miles of the official parade route, but those watching at home will only see what’s happening outside of NYC Herald Square, where the cameras are set up.
Those cameras are going to be very busy with all the entertainment happening around them.
Macy’s revealed that the event will feature 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, 700+ clowns, 11 marching bands and performances from various groups and artists.
Who is performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The parade will feature quite the star-studded lineup of musicians and performers to keep you and your family entertained on this special day.
That lineup, which was announced by the “Today” show on Nov. 1, includes the likes of Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Jennifer Hudson, T-Pain, The Temptations, Alex Warren, Charli D’Amelio and Walker Hayes.
“I can’t wait to make my debut,” T-Pain said in a statement, per CBS News. “I’ve got some surprises up my sleeve to help make it a happy turkey day and celebrate the start of the holiday season!”
Others set to perform include Bishop Briggs, Kylie Cantrall, Chlöe, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Coco Jones, Ariana Madix, Joey McIntyre, Idina Menzel, Natti Natasha, Rachel Platten, Lea Salonga, The War and Treaty, Sebastián Yatra, Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia.
Those who like to dance can strutt their stuff with the Radio City Rockettes, while musical theater aficionados can catch performances by the casts of “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Outsiders.”
Members of the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty and their mascot, Ellie the Elephant, will also make a special appearance.
Is Macy’s debuting any new floats or balloons this year?
The larger-than-life balloons are one of the biggest attractions at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
While kids will get to see a lot of their favorites, including Ronald McDonald, SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary, and Stuart the Minion, there are also a few that we haven’t seen before (or in a while).
Disney’s Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah™ with The Elf on the Shelf®, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Goku from the “Dragon Ball” series, Marshall from “Paw Patrol” and Spider-Man are included on that list.
There are also several new floats making their debut this year:
- Candy Cosmos by Haribo
- Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest by Nickelodeon
- Magic Meets the Seas by Disney Cruise Line
- Pasta Knight by Rao’s Homemade
- SpongeBob SquarePants Garriage by Nickelodeon and Paramount+
- Wednesday’s Feast by Netflix
- Wondrous World of Wildlife by The Bronx Zoo
Last but not least, there are four new “balloonicles” joining the parade in 2024, including Bluey’s Grannies Car, Cookie & Crouton, Go Bowling, and Lox & Java Trycaloon.
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The “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” airs on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. local time on Nov. 27. The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. local time on Nov. 28.