The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a beloved holiday tradition in the United States, known for its spectacular balloons, festive floats, and entertaining performances. This year’s parade, scheduled for Thursday, November 28th, promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
Time and Date:
The parade will kick off at 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Thanksgiving Day and will continue until around 12:00 PM EST. Families can enjoy the parade before indulging in their Thanksgiving meals, and for those who miss the live broadcast, there are often rebroadcasts later in the day.
Route:
The parade will follow its traditional path through Manhattan, starting at 77th Street and Central Park West. It will then proceed down Central Park West, pass the American Museum of Natural History, turn onto Columbus Circle, travel along Central Park South, head southbound on Sixth Avenue, and finally end at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street. If you plan to watch the parade in person, be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the route.
Performers and Highlights:
The 2024 parade will feature a star-studded lineup of performers, including Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Idina Menzel, T-Pain, Dan + Shay, Cynthia Erivo, and Cole Escola. Additionally, Broadway casts from shows like Death Becomes Her, Hell’s Kitchen, and The Outsiders will dazzle the audience alongside the iconic Radio City Rockettes.
Floats and Balloons:
This year’s parade will showcase several new floats, such as “Wednesday’s Feast” by Netflix, “Candy Cosmos” by Haribo, “Magic Meets the Seas” by Disney Cruise Line, “Pasta Knight” by Rao’s Homemade, “Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest” by Nickelodeon, and “Wondrous World of Wildlife” by the Bronx Zoo. These new additions will join classic favorites like the giant balloons of Snoopy, Pikachu, and SpongeBob.
How to Watch Online:
For those unable to attend the parade in person, there are various ways to watch it online. NBC will broadcast the parade live starting at 9:00 AM EST, and the event will also be available on NBC’s Peacock streaming service, Hulu Live, and YouTube TV. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are expected to feature live segments and updates throughout the parade.
Why CBS Isn’t Airing the Parade:
CBS no longer broadcasts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade due to an exclusive agreement between Macy’s and NBC. Instead, CBS has focused on its own holiday programming, such as the CBS Thanksgiving Day Celebration, which offers similar performances and features to the Macy’s parade but as a separate event.
In conclusion, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2024 is sure to bring joy, creativity, and holiday cheer to audiences worldwide. Whether you’re watching in person, live on NBC, or streaming online, this cherished tradition is a festive way to kick off the holiday season. So, grab your hot cocoa, cozy up on the couch, and enjoy the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade!
