The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning for its annual event on Nov. 28, Thanksgiving morning, and the “Today” show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker return as hosts. This year, Wendi McLendon-Covey will also host from the parade’s starting line, and Alison Brie will cut the ribbon to kick off the festivities.
“Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bennett, Liza Colón-Zayas, Tom Kenny and Ginna Claire Mason will be at the parade celebrating the premiere of the musical’s film adaptation. Members of the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty and its mascot Ellie the Elephant will also be there.
Ahead of the 2024 parade, WWD has rounded up a what-to-know guide.
What is the route for this year’s parade?
There are 2.5 miles of public designated viewing areas for the parade. It will kick off on West 77th Street and Central Park West. It’ll go south down Central Park West to Central Park South, then head east to 6th Avenue, south onto 34th Street. Then it goes South down 6th Street, West onto 34th Street, and it ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street and 7th Ave.
Who is performing?
The lineup also includes Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Loud Luxury, T-Pain, Ariana Madix, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Dan + Shay, Bishop Briggs, Kylie Cantrall, The Temptations and Charli D’Amelio. There will also be performances from the Broadway musicals “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Outsiders,” as well as the annual appearance by the Radio City Rockettes.
What new floats can we expect at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
There will be six new floats: Rao’s Homemade’s Pasta Knight float, the Bronx Zoo’s Wondrous World of Wildlife float, Haribo’s Candy Cosmos float, Nickelodeon & Paramount’s Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest float, Disney Cruise Line’s Magic Meets the Seas float and Netflix’s Masterfeast float.
What about the balloons?
Mickey Mouse and Pikachu are the annual balloon staples, but this year, expect apparances by Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Goku from “Dragon Ball,” Marshall from “Paw Patrol” and Spider-Man.
How can I attend the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The most recommended place to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is along Central Park West, towards the start of the parade, between W. 75th Street and W. 61st Street. Arrive early, at 6 a.m., to get a spot, though once that portion of the parade has ended, you can get another shot at viewing along 6th Avenue, between W. 59th Street and W. 38th Street.
Steer clear of these locations: Central Park West & W. 77th Street; Central Park West between W. 60th & W. 59th Streets; Central Park South between Columbus Circle & 6th Avenue; 6th Avenue between W. 38th & W. 34th Streets; W. 34th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues.
Can I watch the parade if I’m not attending in person?
The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving parade will air live nationwide on NBC and Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones. Telemundo will simulcast the parade in Spanish, hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza. There will be an encore presentation at 2 p.m. ET.
What are some historical fun facts about the parade?
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the second-oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the U.S. right after America’s Thanksgiving Parade held in Detroit.
- The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was in 1924 and was produced by Macy’s employees.
- Due to World War II, the Parade was cancelled in 1942, 1943 and 1944.
- The Macy’s Studios team, featuring painters, carpenters, animators, sculptors, welders, scenic designers, costume designers, electricians and engineers, who spend more than 8,000 hours preparing for each Parade.
- A Parade float takes approximately four months to construct (with added time for ideation and design.) If the Macy’s Studios team were to start from scratch and build all of floats that will appear in the 2023 Parade, it would take eight years.
- Santa Claus has closed the Macy’s Parade every year with the exception of 1932, the only year in which he led the official Parade march.
