The 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is almost here and will return in its traditional form after a scaled-back version was held last year amidst COVID. The Macy’s Parade, originally called the Macy’s Christmas Parade, acts as the city’s official kickoff of the holiday season.
This year’s parade will feature 15 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 36 novelty and heritage inflatables, over 800 clowns, 10 marching bands, and nine performance groups, and don’t forget Santa Claus.
Some of the preparations have begun to get the massive balloons, impressive floats and all the diverse performers ready. The lineup for the parade has also been released. If you are planning on attending the parade or want to know more about it, here are some tips as well as an insider’s view about what to expect on the big day.
Preparing The Balloons
Some people visit New York not to see the parade itself, but the preparation of the balloons. The balloons are inflated each year on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The viewing area opens at 1 pm and you can get in through 8 pm. We recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds. The entrance is at 74th Street and Colombus Avenue.
The Parade Route
Watch the parade live from the streets of New York or on NBC from 9 am to noon in all time zones, Thursday, November 25th. There are 2.5 miles of public viewing along the route. The kickoff is West 77th Street and Central Park. Great views can be found on the west side of Central Park West from West 75th Street to West 61st Street.
The Parade then turns on to Columbus Circle at Central Park South and then heads south to 6th Avenue. 6th Avenue has great views from West 59th to West 38th streets. There is restricted viewing on 6th Avenue between West 34th and West 38th streets and on West 34th street between 6th and 7th avenue. The Parade makes its final turn and stops in front of Macy’s Herald Square. (no public viewing here).
Watching the Parade at Home
Savanna Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by “En Casa con Telemundo’s Ana Jurka and Carlos Adyan, accompanied by Freddy Lomeli live from Sixth Avenue and feature a special appearance by current Miss Universe, Andrea Meza. You can also stream the show on Peacock.
Iconic Balloons & New For This Year
You will see several familiar balloons. Charlie Brown made it’s the first appearance in 1967. Spiderman has been in the parade since 1987 and Spongebob has been a regular since 2004. Snoopy has had the most balloons in parade history. Macy’s is currently on its 9th version of the Snoopy balloon.
Also making their return are The Boss Baby, Diary of a Whimpy Kid, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Papa Smurf and Sonic the Hedgehog.
New for this year will be Grogu (aka Baby Yoda,) from The Mandalorian (41 feet tall, 29 feet long & 37 feet wide;) Ada Twist from the Netflix Series Ada Twist (51 feet taller, 41 feet long & 29 feet wide,) Scientist; Toni, the Bandleader Bear, shows everyone how to march to their own beat. This beary big balloon is named for Parade pioneer Tony Sarg and stands 39 feet tall, 28 feet long and 24 feet high and Tiptoe, a reindeer & the star of Macy’s holiday campaign is making her inaugural appearance as a balloon puppet with the help of puppeteers. Her head bobs and legs move as she prances through the streets.
Tip: If you are nearby and want to see the floats in person, but don’t want to get stuck in the crowds, consider watching the parade on TV and then going to watch the post-parade balloon deflation that is held around Sixth Avenue and 34th Street after the parade.
Performers
The lineup will include Carrie Underwood, Chris Lane, Andy Grammer, Jimmie Allen, Kristin Chenoweth, Sara Bareilles, Nelly & more. Some of Broadway’s best musicals will also perform, including “SIX,” “Moulin Rouge!” and “Wicked;” along with a sneak preview of NBC’s “Annie Live!” In addition, the Radio City Rockettes will bring their signature magic to Herald Square.
Safety Protocols
All parade participants will be required to wear masks. All participants and staff must also wear face masks aside from singers, dancers, and broadcasters. There will be public viewing along with designated areas of the route managed by the New York Police Department, and spectators are asked to not bring large bags, umbrellas, backpacks or strollers. Viewing is only open to vaccinated individuals. Proof of vaccination will be required in the form of a CDC vaccination card, Mobile Vaccination app (NYC COVID Safe App, CLEAR Health Pass, NY State Excelsior Pass), or photo of vaccination card. A photo ID will also be required. Total participation has been cut back to 80% to allow for some social distancing.
Other blog posts that may interest you…Things to Do on Thanksgiving Day, If Thanksgiving Dishes Were Family Members and Cruise Line Thanksgiving Recipes.
