One of the modern-day traditions of Thanksgiving is the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Stuffed with colorful floats and balloons in the forms of pop culture characters, the event, which takes place in the heart of Manhattan at the Macy's flagship store and is broadcast live on the NBC Network, will celebrate its 99th incarnation this year! It promises to be bigger than ever before and a fabulous way to kick off the Thanksgiving festivities!
Macy's has been working on the parade around the clock since Day One. The planners have checked their prep list twice and ensured that everything will go according to plan, regardless of the weather forecast. Over the years, the parade had its fair share of inclement weather, including cold blasts, blizzards, and ferocious winds that made it difficult for the balloons to stay afloat.
But let's not have anther Bart Simpson moment from 1991.
Nonetheless, attendees and viewers enjoy the show-stopping celebration that began in 1924, as a means to push Big Bucks into shopping, as America was in an economic boom. The marketing ploy was a significant success for Macy's, and the parade became cemented in history. There were even a couple of Blockbuster movies surrounding it.
Everything to know about the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
The parade will air on NBC from 7:30 AM EST/8:30 AM CST to 12 noon on November 27, or Thanksgiving. Its hosts will be Today's Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb, who'll bring their charismatic commentary to the mix.
Macy's parade isn't without the balloons. You can expect to see Scoutmaster Snoopy with his bird buddy, Woodstock, Bluey, Elf on the Shelf, and Minnie Mouse, taking on the route. There'll be five new balloons this year, too, adding to the excitement and the holiday magic. Mario, Pac-Man, Buzz Lightyear, Derpy the Tiger from Kpop's Demon Slayers, and Shrek's Onion Carriage.
Then there are the floats and musical performers, who surely won't go unnoticed. What's impressive, though, is that the performers are a balanced mix of old and new artists, so there's someone for everyone. Drew Baldridge; Matteo Bocelli; Colbie Caillat; Ciara; Gavin DeGraw; Meg Donnelly; Mr. Fantasy; Foreigner; Debbie Gibson; Mickey Guyton; Christopher Jackson; Jewel; Lil Jon; Kool & the Gang; Darlene Love; Roman Mejia; Taylor Momsen; liler Peck; Busta Rhymes; Calum Scott; Shaggy; Lauren Spencer Smith; Lufsa Sonza; and All's Fair Teyana Taylor are ready to make parade history.
Closing off the shebang will be no other than Santa Claus! The Big Guy will have his own decorated float and bag of gifts! Because nothing screams more than the holidays than Santa Claus.
In the event where you can't watch the live broadcast, it'll reair on NBC at 2 PM EST/ 1 PM CST, following The National Dog Show. Then, it'll be available to stream on Peacock the next day.