98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade set to kick off in NYC

3 months ago 4

What's new in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year?

Gabriella Rudy

Six new balloons have been confirmed for this year’s parade, including Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf and an all-new Spider-Man balloon, inspired by comic book artist John Romita Sr.’s art.Six new floats will also make their parade debut this year, such as “Candy Cosmos” by Haribo, “Pasta Knight” by Rao’s Homemade, “Wondrous World of Wildlife” by The Bronx Zoo, which will celebrate the zoo’s animals and beloved exhibits, and “Wednesday’s Feast” by Netflix, featuring a likeness of Jenna Ortega from the hit show.

Three new “Balloonicles,” smaller balloons that wheel down the route attached to cycles, have been created as well.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade turns 100: How it comes together

It has officially been 100 years since the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debuted. TODAY’s Al Roker shares a look at what it takes to bring the parade to life and is then joined by the University of South Carolina Gamecocks’ Marching Band!

Where can you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person?

Gabriella Rudy

The parade begins on West 77th Street & Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. ET and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street at 12:00 p.m. ET.

There are 2.5 miles of designated public viewing areas along the 2024 parade route. Viewers are advised to arrive as early as 6:00 a.m. to snag the best spots.

Central Park West: Great views can be found along Central Park West from West 75th to West 61st Streets. There is no public viewing on Central Park West between West 59th & West 60th Streets, though.

6th Avenue: The West 59th to West 38th Street stretch holds the best views as close as possible to the end of the parade, but spectators should avoid the area on 6th Avenue between West 34th and West 38th Street, where viewing is limited.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade marches on despite rainy forecast

Gabriella Rudy

The forecast for Thursday in New York City calls for rain, so bring your ponchos - but leave your umbrellas at home - if you're planning on watching the parade in person!

The parade will go on rain or shine, as the Big Apple is forecast to see soaking rain with temperatures in the 40s. Winds are forecast to be less than 10 mph, which will allow balloons to fly. The parade’s giant balloons cannot fly if maximum sustained winds hit 23 mph or greater or if gusts exceed 34 mph.


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