The 98th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Your Ultimate Guide To New Balloons, Performers, And Best Viewing Spots
The 98th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 28, 2024, promises to be one of the most spectacular events in its nearly century-long history, officially kicking off the holiday season in New York City. This year's celebration features an exciting lineup of brand-new giant balloons, dazzling floats, and a star-studded cast of celebrity performers, making it a must-see event for millions of spectators and television viewers nationwide.
For those planning to attend in person or watch from home on NBC and Peacock, this guide provides the most current and essential details, from the updated route and start time to the full list of new characters joining the iconic procession. The parade is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. ET, a half-hour earlier than previous years, ensuring a full morning of festive cheer before the Thanksgiving feast.
The Essential 2024 Parade Details and Route
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a massive logistical undertaking, spanning a 2.5-mile route through the heart of Manhattan. Knowing the official schedule and viewing locations is crucial for anyone hoping to experience the magic live.
Official Parade Schedule and Logistics
- Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Start Time: 8:30 a.m. ET (a new, earlier start time)
- End Time: Approximately 12:00 p.m. ET
- Television Broadcast: Live on NBC and streaming on Peacock, hosted by the Today Show's Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.
The Official 2.5-Mile Parade Route
The parade follows its traditional path, beginning uptown and making its way down to Herald Square. The route is 2.5 miles long and offers several miles of public viewing space.
- Start Point: West 77th Street and Central Park West (CPW).
- Down CPW: The parade travels south along Central Park West.
- Turn onto Central Park South: It swings East at Columbus Circle/59th Street.
- Down Sixth Avenue: The procession then turns south onto Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas).
- Final Stretch: It continues down Sixth Avenue to West 34th Street.
- End Point: Macy's Herald Square, where the television performances take place in a restricted viewing area.
New Giant Balloons and Dazzling Floats for 2024
Every year, the biggest curiosity for parade fans centers on the new additions to the balloon and float lineup. The 98th Annual Parade introduces several exciting new characters and floats, alongside fan favorites like Snoopy, Ronald McDonald, and SpongeBob SquarePants, ensuring a fresh experience for returning viewers.
The New Giant Balloon Stars
The 2024 lineup features an impressive roster of new giant balloons, highlighting beloved characters from pop culture and animation. These massive helium giants require dozens of handlers to navigate the Manhattan skyline.
- Minnie Mouse: A brand-new giant balloon from The Walt Disney Company.
- Spider-Man: A newly designed or brand-new balloon of the Marvel superhero.
- Marshall: The beloved fire dog from Nickelodeon's PAW Patrol.
- Goku: A newly designed giant balloon of the legendary hero from the Dragon Ball franchise.
- Gabby: The main character from DreamWorks' Gabby's Dollhouse.
- Labubu: A popular character making its parade debut.
- Derpy Tiger: Another new entry adding to the novelty balloon category.
In addition to the giant balloons, new novelty balloons include Dora (from Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer) and Extraordinary Noorah with The Elf on the Shelf, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Brand-New Floats to Watch For
The floats are works of art, often featuring intricate moving parts and celebrity performances. This year's new floats promise to be just as spectacular, with one notable addition being a float dedicated to Wednesday Addams.
Returning favorites include Santa's Sleigh, the Tom Turkey Float, and the McDonald's Big Red Shoe Car. The parade traditionally concludes with the arrival of the one and only Santa Claus, marking the official start of the Christmas season.
The Star-Studded Celebrity Performer Lineup
The Macy's Parade is famous for its incredible musical performances, which are typically staged on the floats as they pass through Herald Square. The 2024 lineup features a diverse mix of musical genres and celebrated stars.
Confirmed Celebrity Guests and Musical Acts
The 98th Annual Parade boasts a strong list of performers across various floats. While the full, final list is always a closely guarded secret until closer to the date, several high-profile names have been confirmed to be part of the festivities:
- Kylie Minogue
- T-Pain
- Idina Menzel
- Alison Brie (who served as a special guest)
- Billy Porter
- Conan Gray
In addition to the musical guests, the parade features performances from Broadway shows, dance troupes, and some of the best high school and college marching bands from across the United States, including the esteemed New York City professional theater ensembles.
How to Get the Best Public Viewing Spot and Tips for Attending
Attending the parade in person is an unforgettable experience, but it requires careful planning. With an estimated 3.5 million spectators, securing a good spot is a race against the clock.
Best Public Viewing Areas
The performances that air on TV are in front of Macy's Herald Square, which is a restricted, ticketed viewing area for VIPs and Macy's employees. However, there are 2.5 miles of excellent public viewing spots along the route.
- Central Park West (CPW): The first viewing opportunity is along CPW from 77th Street down to 59th Street. This area is the first to fill up, but it offers the earliest views of the parade as it begins.
- Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas): The most popular viewing area runs from 59th Street down to 38th Street.
- Less Crowded Spots: For those who can't arrive before sunrise, the stretch of Sixth Avenue between 59th and 38th Streets often has slightly less intense crowds, especially in the blocks closer to 38th Street.
Essential Parade Day Tips
To maximize your experience at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, follow these expert tips:
- Arrive Early: To secure a front-row, standing-only spot along the barricades, you must arrive extremely early—ideally between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. ET. The 8:30 a.m. start time means the crowds will be dense well before dawn.
- Dress Warmly: November in New York City is cold, especially before sunrise. Layers, hats, gloves, and warm drinks are non-negotiable.
- Bring Supplies: Pack snacks, water, and a portable chair (though you'll likely have to stand once the crowds arrive). Public restrooms are virtually non-existent along the route.
- Avoid the End of the Route: Do not try to view the parade near Herald Square (34th Street). This area is closed off for the TV broadcast and is not accessible to the general public.
The Balloon Inflation: A Thanksgiving Eve Tradition
For a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the parade, the annual Macy's Balloon Inflation event is a must-see. This is where the giant balloons are slowly filled with helium, transforming them from flat vinyl into towering characters.
- Date: Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
- Location: The streets surrounding the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side (typically near 77th and 81st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue).
- Viewing: The event is open to the public during the afternoon and early evening, typically from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Check the official Macy's website for the exact 2024 hours).
The inflation event is often less crowded than the parade itself and offers incredible photo opportunities, making it a perfect family activity for the day before Thanksgiving. It is a fantastic way to appreciate the engineering and scale of these iconic Thanksgiving Day spectacles.
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