The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will showcase a star-studded lineup on November 27, 2024, featuring renowned artists such as Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, and Teyana Taylor. This year’s parade will also highlight the cultural impact of the film “KPop Demon Hunters,” with performers from the movie participating alongside animated characters represented by balloons.
Among the eclectic performers will be ballet dancer Tiler Peck and popular YouTube host Sean Evans. The soundtrack of “KPop Demon Hunters” has gained significant traction, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieving platinum status. Notably, characters from the film, including Derpy Tiger and Sussie, will appear in the parade as a mid-sized balloon and a whimsical balloonicle.
Parade Details and New Additions
The parade will commence at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, featuring an impressive lineup of 32 balloons, three balloonicles, 27 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands. Santa Claus will once again lead the festivities, with familiar faces from the “Today” show, including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, providing commentary on NBC and Peacock. More celebrity appearances are expected to be announced in the lead-up to the event.
Broadway will also be well-represented, with cast members from productions such as “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time,” and “Ragtime.” This year’s parade will feature standout athletes, including three-time U.S. national champion figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S. Paralympian Jack Wallace. Spectators are known to line the streets, often several people deep, to cheer for the colorful floats and talented performers.
Last year, the parade attracted over 31 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, marking a 10% increase from the previous year and achieving the highest audience numbers in its history.
Exciting New Features
Four new character balloons will make their debut this year, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, and Mario from the “Super Mario Brothers” franchise. A unique 32-foot-tall onion carriage balloon featuring characters from “Shrek” will also join the festivities. In anticipation of the parade’s upcoming 100th anniversary, organizers are reintroducing beloved balloons from past events, such as Rainbow Trout, the Happy Hippo Triple Stack, Wigglefoot, and Frieda the Dachshund.
The addition of six new floats will further enhance the event, with contributions from Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, “Stranger Things,” and a whimsical float featuring sheep attempting to sleep, courtesy of Serta.
Stars scheduled to perform include 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 various regions, including South Carolina, California, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and even Santiago, Panama, will also participate, adding to the diversity and excitement of this cherished holiday tradition.
