The upcoming Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a star-studded lineup, featuring performances from Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, and Teyana Taylor. This year’s event, scheduled for November 27, 2024, will also highlight the cultural impact of the K-pop sensation with special appearances from the singers of “KPop Demon Hunters” and their vibrant balloon counterparts.
In total, the parade will showcase an eclectic mix of talent, including ballet dancer Tiler Peck and Sean Evans, known for hosting YouTube’s “Hot Ones.” The soundtrack artists of the Netflix K-pop film, which recently topped the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum status, will join the festivities. Characters from the movie, including Derpy Tiger and Sussie, will be represented by a mid-sized balloon and a balloonicle.
Parade Details and Entertainment Highlights
The parade will kick off at 08:30 in all time zones, featuring an impressive lineup of 32 balloons, three balloonicles, 27 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands, all culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus. Familiar faces from the “Today” show, including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, will return as hosts on NBC and Peacock.
Broadway will also be well-represented this year, with cast members from productions like “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time,” and “Ragtime.” The Radio City Rockettes are set to perform, alongside notable athletes such as Ilia Malinin, a three-time U.S. national champion figure skater, and U.S. Paralympian Jack Wallace.
Spectators traditionally gather along the parade route, often lining up six deep to enjoy the vibrant floats and performances. Last year, the event attracted over 31 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, making it the largest audience in the parade’s history.
New Balloons and Floats Join the Festivities
This year, four new character balloons will make their debut, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario from Super Mario Brothers, and an impressive 32-foot-tall balloon onion carriage featuring characters from “Shrek.” The parade will also honor its history by including balloons from previous years, such as the Rainbow Trout, Happy Hippo Triple Stack, Wigglefoot, and Freida the Dachshund.
Additionally, six new floats will join the celebration, with contributions from notable brands like Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, and themed floats from “Stranger Things” and Serta, featuring whimsical sheep.
The parade will also feature performances from a variety of artists, including Jewel, Debbie Gibson, Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Christopher Jackson, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, and Luísa Sonza.
Marching bands from regions including South Carolina, California, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and even Santiago, Panama, will add to the festive atmosphere. The New York Police Department’s marching band is also set to participate, enhancing the celebratory spirit of this beloved holiday event.
