Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebrates 100 Years of Tradition!

According to SAEDNEWS, Among the exciting additions this year are brand-new Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse balloons, zoo- and pasta-themed floats, and musical performances by stars like Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel. The parade has come a long way since its first edition in 1924, which showcased fairy tale scenes from Mother Goose, Little Red Riding Hood, and Miss Muffet and the Spider. Yet, some traditions endure. Marching bands and cheerful clowns will once again lead the procession, culminating in Santa Claus’ much-anticipated appearance to usher in the holiday season.

This year’s celebration boasts an impressive lineup:

• 17 giant helium balloons featuring popular characters.

• 22 floats with creative themes.

• 15 novelty inflatables, 11 marching bands, and 10 performance groups.

Performances by award-winning singers and actors, and a spotlight on the WNBA champion New York Liberty.

Among the new floats, Rao’s is debuting a pasta-themed design featuring a knight and dragon crafted from real pasta. Another float honors the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary, showcasing animals like a tiger, giraffe, zebra, and gorilla.

“This parade is about spreading joy to millions of people, and that’s what drives us every single day,” said Will Coss, the parade’s executive producer.

The route starts at 8:30 a.m. on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and winds 2.5 miles to Macy’s Herald Square, where live performances will take center stage. The parade will proceed rain or shine—only severe wind conditions could ground the balloons. Since its inception, the parade has been canceled just three times, during World War II from 1942 to 1944.

Current forecasts predict rain, with temperatures in the upper 40s and moderate winds of around 10 mph, conditions well within safety guidelines for flying the iconic balloons. City regulations bar the use of full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts top 35 mph.

The parade will air live on NBC, hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, and will also stream on Peacock. For Spanish-speaking viewers, a simulcast will be hosted on Telemundo by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.