In addition to floats, marching bands and balloons, the parade, which is a tradition for both those who see it in person and the millions who watch it on television, will feature performers Ciara, Idina Menzel, Lea Michele and the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, among many more.
The weather could be a problem as a major early winter storm moves across the country. There is a chance that high winds may sideline the huge balloons that float along the streets of New York City each year in a celebration of Thanksgiving.
Here’s a look at this year’s parade, what time it starts, how to watch and what to look for.
What time: The parade begins at 9 a.m. ET.
How long does it last: The parade is expected to last three hours.
What channel: NBC will broadcast the parade. NBC will also show an encore presentation at 2 p.m.
Livestream: In addition to the television broadcast, you can stream the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade online at nbc.com/live and on the NBC app.
Who is performing/appearances: Here, from NBC, is a list of who will be appearing and performing: Natasha Bedingfield, Black Eyed Peas, Chicago, Ciara, Josh Dela Cruz, Celine Dion, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Debbie Gibson, former NASA astronauts Kay Hire and Janet Kavandi, Chris Janson, Idina Menzel, Lea Michele, Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin, NHL legends Dominic Moore and Eddie Olczyk, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, NCT 127, Ozuna, Billy Porter, the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, Kelly Rowland, That Girl Lay Lay, TLC, Tenille Townes and Chris Young; with an extra special appearance by the one-and-only Santa Claus.
Who is watching: An estimated 3.5 million will watch in person on the streets of New York City. The television audience is expected to be around 50 million.
Balloons and floats: This year's lineup of balloons, if they are able to fly, will include:
- Astronaut Snoopy
- The Pillsbury Dough Boy
- Love Flies Up to the Sky
- The Elf on the Shelf
- Smokey Bear
- Blue & White Macy's Stars, Red Stars, and Gold Macy's Stars
- Blue Starflakes
- Candy Cane
- Olaf from Disney's "Frozen"
- Pikachu
Floats
- Tom Turkey
- "Home Sweet Home" by Cracker Barrel
- "1-2-3 Sesame Street" by Sesame Workshop
- "Big Red Shoe Car: by McDonald's
- "Central Park" by Macy's
- "Christmas Cheer is Near" by Elf Pets and The Elf on the
- "Snoopy's Doghouse"
- "Everyone's Favorite Bake Shop" by Entenmann's
- Santa's sleigh by Macy's
Who are the hosts: "Today" show hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will narrate the parade.
What is the route: The 2 1/2-mile parade kicks off is at 9 a.m. at West 77th Street and Central Park West. It will continue down West 59th Street until it reaches Sixth Avenue, where it will head south to West 38th Street. The parade makes a final turn on West 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, stopping in front of Macy's Herald Square.
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