The mouthwatering smell of roasted turkey and gravy are one telltale sign of Thanksgiving, but don't forget the warm and familiar sounds that make Turkey Day stand out! Aside from kitchen timers and bubbling pots on the stove, you can expect to hear the musical laughter of family and friends, the lively sound of Thanksgiving football, and, most importantly, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, filling your TV with festive cheer.
While some might celebrate Thanksgiving with the typical turkey feast at noon and others with a honey-glazed ham for supper, one Thanksgiving tradition that remains consistent is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has aired for the last 98 years! Even if you aren't there in person to witness it, the camaraderie and holiday cheer facilitated by fun floats, big balloons, and star-studded performances can practically be felt through the screen.
If you're eagerly awaiting this year's parade, you're in luck! Keep reading to find out all the important information about the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, including the lineup of performers, balloons, and how to watch it.
When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024?
If you couldn't tell from its name, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thanksgiving just as it does every year! Since the actual date of Turkey Day changes each year, following the fourth Thursday of November, the date of the parade also differs from last year. This year, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
You can expect to watch the parade first thing on Thanksgiving morning as it begins just 30 minutes earlier than usual at 8:30 a.m. EST. In three-and-a-half eventful hours, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will come to a close at 12 p.m. EST. Throughout that time, you can watch as the parade progresses from West 77th Street and Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square via Sixth Avenue.
How can I watch or stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
In recent years, NBC has broadcast the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in real-time, allowing viewers to watch it on cable TV or stream it via the program's website or Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST. If you're too busy roasting your turkey or whipping up stuffing, you can always catch reruns of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade at 2 p.m. EST. Alternatively, Telemundo, the Spanish-language TV network, will offer coverage of the parade for Spanish-speaking audiences.
Who will perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade?
The lineup for this year's parade practically defies gravity! Wicked fans will be happy to see Cynthia Erivo take center stage, as well as Broadway star Idina Menzel. And that's just the start of this stacked list of performers at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Here's who you can look forward to seeing on screen:
- Alex Warren
- Ariana Madix
- Billy Porter
- Bishop Briggs
- Charli D’Amelio
- Chlöe
- Coco Jones
- Dan + Shay
- Dasha
- Jennifer Hudson
- Joey McIntyre
- Jonathan Bennett
- Kylie Cantrall
- Kylie Minogue
- Lea Salonga
- Liza Colón-Zayas
- Loud Luxury
- Natti Natasha
- Rachel Platten
- Sebastián Yatra
- The Roots
- The Temptations
- The War and Treaty
- Tom Kenny
- T-Pain
- Walker Hayes
Which floats and balloons can you expect in 2024?
Currently, 22 balloons, 7 balloonicles, 34 floats, 28 clown crews, 11 marching bands, 11 performance groups, and 28 performers are confirmed for this year’s parade! For the full lineup, including photos and diagrams, visit Macy's website. Be sure to keep an eye out for favorites like the Ronald McDonald balloon and new featured character balloons, including Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, and Spider-Man.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
