Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Begins Amid Steady Rainfall

Yuki Iwamura/AP

People inflate floats in preparation for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in New York City.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off Thursday morning under a steady rain that added an unexpected element to the festive atmosphere, with spectators sporting ponchos and umbrellas alongside the classic balloons and floats.

This annual holiday tradition introduced exciting new additions this year, including Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse balloons, along with creatively themed floats inspired by zoos and pasta. The parade also showcased star-studded performances from renowned artists such as Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel.

Reflecting on its rich history, the event has evolved significantly since its inception a century ago when it featured whimsical scenes from beloved fairy tales like Mother Goose and Little Red Riding Hood.

However, some elements remain unchanged. Just like in the inaugural parade of 1924, attendees were treated to lively marching bands and playful clowns, culminating in the grand appearance of Santa Claus riding through Manhattan to herald the holiday season.

This year's lineup included an impressive array of entertainment: 17 giant helium-filled character balloons, 22 vibrant floats, 15 novelty inflatables, 11 marching bands, and over 700 clowns. Additionally, there were performance groups featuring award-winning singers and actors as well as representatives from the WNBA champion New York Liberty.

A standout float this year celebrated the Rao's food brand with a dramatic knight-versus-dragon scene crafted from real pasta elements. Another float honored the Bronx Zoo's landmark anniversary with adorable representations of various animals including a tiger, giraffe, zebra, and gorilla.

"The work that we do, the opportunity to impact millions of people and bring a bit of joy for a couple of hours on Thanksgiving morning is what motivates us every day," said Will Coss, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer.

The parade commenced at 8:30 a.m. on Manhattan's Upper West Side and concluded around noon at Macy's Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street—a central stage for live performances.

Despite the rain showers—an occurrence that has only led to cancellation three times since its start—the festivities continued unabated. Organizers closely monitored wind conditions throughout to ensure safety for the iconic balloons. With temperatures hovering in the upper forties Fahrenheit and winds around ten miles per hour (16 kph), conditions remained favorable for beloved characters like Snoopy and Bluey to take flight. New York City law restricts balloon flights if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts surpassing 35 mph are present.

The parade was broadcast live on NBC with hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker while also available for streaming via Peacock. A Spanish simulcast was hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza on Telemundo.