 "Representational Image. Reuters")
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024 will be a major celebration, marking a century of tradition. It first began in 1924 and has become major tradition in American culture. The parade is organised by Macy’s department store and showcases a spectacular display of giant balloons, floats, marching bands, performers, and musical acts.
The parade stretches over 2.5 miles and travels from the Upper West Side of Manhattan to Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square. One of the most exciting parts of the parade is the massive, colourful balloons shaped like popular cartoon characters, animals, and other figures.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is not only a lively celebration of the holiday season but also a television spectacle, with millions of viewers watching the event on TV across the country. It marks the beginning of the holiday season for many Americans with its festive atmosphere and iconic performances setting the tone for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
What’s the parade route and can I watch it in person?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year will start at 8:30 (local time) am on Thursday, November 28, 2024. It will last for about three hours and will end at noon. The parade will begin at West 77th Street and Central Park West in Manhattan. From there, the massive balloons and vibrant floats will travel along Central Park South, turn onto 6th Avenue, and will end at Macy’s Herald Square. It’s a fascinating route for seeing the huge balloons floating high above the crowd.
How can I watch the parade and is it available to stream?
For those who can’t make it to New York City in person, the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be telecasted on NBC from 8:30 (local time) am to noon with hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. An encore on NBC will follow at 2 pm. For those who prefer to stream the event online, the parade will also be available for viewing on network’s Peacock service ensuring that the parade is accessible to a global audience. The broadcast will include a mix of parade coverage, performances and interviews.
Will there be any special guests and performers?
The event will also include performances by varios artists, making it more festive and star studded. The stars who are going to perform at this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Loud Luxury, Cynthia Erivo, Cole Escola, Bishop Briggs, Kylie Cantrall, Chloe, Dan & Shay, Dasha, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Coco Jones, Walker Hayes, Ariana Madix, Joey McIntyre, Idina Menzel, Natti Natasha, T-Pain, Rachel Platten, Lea Salonga, The Temptations, The War and Treaty, Alex Warren, Sebastian Yatra, Charli D’Amelio, Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia.
A century of tradition
Over the last century, it has grown from a modest celebration into a global event that captures the hearts of millions. In 1924, the inaugural Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held. Store employees, many of whom were immigrants from Europe marched to Herald Square in colourful costumes. Professional bands, floats, and animals from the Central Park Zoo accompanied them. Over 250,000 people attended the inaugural event, and when Santa Claus made his first appearance, he was crowned “King of the Kiddies” on the Macy’s balcony. Despite minimal media coverage, the event proved so successful that it became an annual tradition.
In 2024, Macy’s will commemorate this milestone by honouring the parade’s history while continuing to innovate and surprise audiences with new floats, balloons, and performances.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a reminder of the joy and magic of the holiday season, a tradition that brings families together, celebrates cultural diversity, and spreads the spirit of Thanksgiving to all.