The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for 2024 is scheduled to be broadcast on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock on Thursday morning, November 28, from 8:30 am to 12 pm ET/PT. The event showcases character balloons drifting through New York City skies, floats showcasing various themes, and live musical performances by talented artists and lively marching bands participating in this long-standing tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving.
Every year, the parade dazzles viewers with its mix of pop culture icons, Broadway casts, and music stars. Expect massive balloons of characters like SpongeBob and Monkey D. Luffy, performances by artists like Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel, and synchronized dances by the Radio City Rockettes. With its festive spirit and magical atmosphere, the event is the perfect way to start the day.
Every viewing option for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024
To ensure you don't miss any of the fun of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024, several viewing options are available for this Thanksgiving event. The easiest way to watch is through NBC or Peacock, where the parade will be live telecast.
The event is scheduled for Thursday morning, November 28. It will run from 8:30 am to 12 pm Eastern Time/Pacific Time (ET/PT). If you happen to be in New York City at that time and place, the event features a parade route passing from Manhattan's Upper West Side through to Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street, where one can experience its enchantment in person.
This year marks the 98th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a cherished event that signals the beginning of the holiday season. Known for its iconic huge balloons and spectacular floats alongside live entertainment acts, it showcases a vibrant mix of culture and music, delighting viewers young and old alike. Giant beloved characters' balloons like SpongeBob Squarepants, Snoopy, and Monkey D. Luffy will be seen in the sky.
Expect a lineup of artists with names like Jennifer Hudson and Billy Porter sharing the stage with Broadway ensembles from popular shows like Death Becomes Her and The Outsiders. The legendary Radio City Rockettes will entertain the audience with their synchronized dance performance. Musical performances by artists, from pop stars to marching bands, will bring a thrilling atmosphere to the event.
The parade includes shows by 11 marching bands and dance troupes representing talent from different regions of the country. With its atmosphere and rooted past, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a popular event that mixes tradition and fun, spreading joy for the holidays to countless viewers.
History of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade made its debut on November 27, 1924. The upcoming event in 2024 will mark its 98th year of celebration. Its inception by Macy's staff to kick off the festive shopping season vibe influenced by European festivals, with a mix of live animals from Central Park Zoo and parade elements like floats and marching bands attracting over 250k viewers during its inaugural year.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has now become a custom. With the exception of a break during World War II between 1942 and 1944, the celebration has expanded in scale and grandeur over time. The parade introduced character balloons in 1927, which have since become a defining feature of the parade.
The parade draws in an audience both in person and on TV, with its blend of entertainment featuring pop culture elements and musical performances that embody the spirit of the holiday season. It's been one of the occasions that people look forward to the most, showing the transition to the bright and cheerful holiday weeks.
Tune in to NBC and Peacock to catch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024 live.