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It’s the baste way to start Thanksgiving.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is ushering in holiday cheer for the 99th year — with 34 balloons, four mini-balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups and 11 marching bands slated to flood the Big Apple streets.
More than 50 million people tune into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade each year. James Keivom
This year’s festivities will debut an array of performers, balloons and floats — including a kick-off performance by “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo.
Over 3.5 million people in New York City and more than 50 million viewers at home typically watch the parade, thanks to the thousands of volunteers who help the celebration run smoothly.
What time does the parade start?
The 99th annual parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. and will run to noon in all time zones, followed by an encore presentation at 2 p.m. ET/PT.
How to watch and stream the parade
Per tradition, the only official broadcast for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on NBC and the company’s streaming service Peacock, with “TODAY’s” Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker returning as hosts.
Another option for those who don’t have Peacock or access to regular cable or broadcast TV is a live TV streaming service such as DIRECTV, which has a five-day free trial that includes NBC.
Sling TV is another way to stream live television. Its Select plan includes NBC and starts at $19.99/month.
NBC will also offer the broadcast with live audio description on the Secondary Audio Program channel for blind and visually impaired viewers.
Nintendo’s Mario is among the new balloons making their debut this year. LP Media
Telemundo will air a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo, hosted by the network’s Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow.
Macy’s will also be sharing behind-the-scenes coverage on its social media channels: @macys and #MacysParade on Instagram, TikTok, Threads and other platforms.
What is the parade route to watch in person?
The 2.5-mile procession kicks off at the starting line at 77th Street and Eighth Avenue.
The parade weaves down West 59th Street toward Sixth Avenue, where it continues until reaching Macy’s iconic Herald Square flagship.
There will be six new floats in this year’s parade, including one dedicated to Stranger Things. LP Media
The end is where performers and floats stop for their televised productions.
There are some restricted viewing areas, including on Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th streets. For a full view of the map, visit macys.com/s/parade/route.
What will the weather be like?
Fortunately, Gobble Day will be much drier than the past few days — though it will be chilly.
“Clear skies are expected during tomorrow’s parade, but it will be significantly colder with temperatures only reaching the low 40s. Winds will also be quite gusty, with gusts as high as 30 mph, which will create much lower wind chills,” said FOX Weather Meteorologist Matt Shapiro.
Will there be any special guests or performers?
Of course! There will be no shortage of performers, from singers to dancers and marching bands and more.
Other than Erivo’s famous voice, the atmosphere will be flooded with tunes from other singers, including Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Ciara, Lil Jon, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton and Teyana.
PAC-MAN will also be making his debut this year. LP Media
Additionally, Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami, the K-pop voices behind the Netflix hit of HUNTR/X, will make their daytime debut.
Broadway will be represented by cast members from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.”
The Rockettes, celebrating their 100th year, will be on hand to ring in the holidays.
Plenty of other celebs will be in attendance, including “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans and ballet dancer Tiker Peck, as well as three-time US national champion figure skater Ilia Malinin and US Paralympian Jack Wallace, and more.
Eleven marching bands will be in this year’s parade. James Keivom
Are there any new floats this year?
This year’s parade features an incredible six new floats — including one dedicated to the viral toy sensation Labubu and its maker Pop Mart.
The Upside Down Invasion will also make a particularly well-timed appearance, debuting just one day after the final season of the Netflix hit “Stranger Things” kicks off.
Other new floats will include The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder by Holland America Line; Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by The LEGO Group; Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt; and The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator by Serta.
There will also be four new featured character balloons: Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Nintendo’s Mario and Shrek’s Onion Carriage.