Family and Friends gather together every Thanksgiving morning, the fourth Thursday of November,  to enjoy the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Since 1924, Families have awoken at 9 a.m. in order to enjoy the festive time that is broadcasted live from various television platforms. In some cases, families come from close or far as they intend to catch the parade live. At home 50 million people watched the parade, but 3.5 million people went  on to the streets of New York. When arriving, crowds not only faced the difficulty of there being many people but also the fact that the weather was very cold. In New York, the temperature was at a low of 15 degrees, and it was estimated that during the parade it would be in the low 20s. Pedestrians were not only impacted by the cold temperature but the strong gusts of winds. Viewers easily solved this problem by wearing warm clothes but the rigorous wind also gave trouble to the large balloons. But on Thursday morning, the Macy’s spokesman stated that the wind shouldn’t be a problem anymore, so the ceremony was not delayed! 

Relating to the best spots to view the parade, Macy’s recommended, “The best places to view, depends on you! Early

risers like to camp out starting at 6am along the west side of the street on Central Park West from 59th to 75th Streets, where the Parade runs from about 9 a.m until 10:30 a.m. If you prefer to arrive later, further down the route on 6th Avenue may be best—the Parade reaches this area around 9:30 a.m. We don’t suggest viewing from 6th Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets or in front of Macy’s Herald Square, which provides very limited viewing due to the national television broadcast.”

In order for the parade to be in the condition it always is, it takes more than 10,000 people. This year the extravagant parade was hosted by none other than the hosts of the “Today” show, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.  The hosts accompanied many as they shared with the world the gorgeous floats and high flying balloons. 

The parade would be no parade without the floats and balloons that are carried throughout the route. There were a total of 34 floats, all decorated with their own unique theme. New floats such as the Blues Clues and You, Home Sweet Home, Rexy in the City, The Brick-Changer, and the Toy House of Marvelous Milestones  joined the many other original floats that have paraded throughout New York. These parade float veterans include Sesame Street, Big Red Shoe Car, and Tom Turkey. Of course the parade concluded with the tradition of Santa’s Sleigh as it is the start of the holiday season!

Among the 30 larger than life balloons, Macy’s introduced five new ones. The well known Peanuts character Snoopy, was shown in a new light as he was dressed as an Astronaut. Along with Snoopy, there were new balloons of Spongebob and Gary, Smokey Bear, Green Eggs and Ham, and a piece of artwork from Yayoi Kusama. Audiences were not only able to view the new balloons but the classic ones too! Throughout the parade, there was the Pillsbury Doughboy, Pikachu, Ronald McDonald, The Elf on the Shelf, and the classic Macy’s Yellow Star. These are only a few fan favorites that were mentioned…

 Some Performers include; Idina Menzel, Debbie Gibson, Lea Michele, Ciara, Chris Young, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, Chris Janson, Kelly Rowland, Ozuna, the cast of “Sesame Street”, and many more! The types of performances weren’t limited as family and friends were entertained by many Broadway Actors. Shows such as Beetlejuice, Hadestown, Ain’t Too Proud- The Life And Times of the Temptations, and Tina- the Tina Turner Musical performed a few numbers to remind viewers that Broadway is still full of many talents. Talent didn’t end there as the Rockettes broke out the traditional Kick-Line! This lineup of many talented men and women truly entertained many families, despite the cold weather!

As the Thanksgiving Day ceremonies concluded families and friends were reminded of what they should be thankful for and hopefully went on to enjoy a day with friends and family.  

For more information check out https://www.macys.com/social/parade/