The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade once again brought joy and grandeur to the streets of Manhattan on Thursday, continuing a cherished American tradition. Despite damp weather and persistent overcast skies, the parade dazzled with its largest display yet, showcasing a stunning lineup of floats, balloons, musical performances, and celebrity appearances. Millions of spectators, both in-person and at home, tuned in to watch the spectacle that officially ushers in the holiday season.
This year’s parade featured a record-breaking 17 giant character balloons, 15 specialty inflatables, 22 creatively themed floats, 11 marching bands from around the country, over 700 clowns, and 10 performance groups. More than 5,000 volunteers made the event possible, managing the enormous balloons and adding to the high-energy atmosphere that defines the Thanksgiving morning celebration.
A highlight of the parade was the debut of six new helium balloons. Beloved characters took flight for the first time, including Minnie Mouse, joining Mickey for the first time in balloon form, and Spider-Man, returning with a design based on the late comic book artist John Romita Sr.’s illustrations. Other debut characters included Goku from Dragon Ball, Marshall from PAW Patrol, Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, and a double feature of Extraordinary Noorah with The Elf on the Shelf, all delighting younger audiences and nostalgic adults alike.
In addition to the balloons, this year’s parade introduced several innovative floats. Among them were “Candy Cosmos” presented by HARIBO, “Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest” from Nickelodeon and Paramount, “Magic Meets the Sea” by Disney Cruise Line, and “Pasta Knight” sponsored by Rao’s Homemade. Each float featured intricate designs and often included interactive or animated elements that made them standout visual attractions. The Bronx Zoo’s “Wondrous World of Wildlife” also joined the parade, emphasizing conservation and biodiversity in a festive context.
Musical performances were a central part of the festivities. Jennifer Hudson took the spotlight with renditions of “Jingle Bells” and “Let There Be Joy,” taken from her holiday album The Gift of Love. Country duo Dan + Shay energized the crowd with “Officially Christmas,” while Jimmy Fallon and The Roots brought playful energy with their original track “Hey Rudy.” Pop icon Kylie Minogue, hip-hop artist T-Pain, Broadway star Idina Menzel, actor-singer Billy Porter, and Rachel Platten also delivered spirited performances atop their respective floats.
Adding to the spectacle, Broadway made its mark with musical numbers from shows like Death Becomes Her, Hell’s Kitchen, and The Outsiders, with the Radio City Rockettes once again drawing cheers for their precision choreography. Cultural groups and dance ensembles added diversity and flair, including the internationally renowned Riverdance 30 – The New Generation, showcasing Irish music and dance in a vibrant segment.
Weather conditions posed some challenges, with steady rain in the morning and cool temperatures, but they did little to dampen the spirits of attendees. Ponchos and umbrellas filled the sidewalks as the parade marched the 2.5-mile route from Central Park West to Macy’s Herald Square. Organizers closely monitored wind levels to ensure the safety of the massive balloons, a routine precaution that allowed the event to proceed smoothly.
There were a few technical hiccups during the live broadcast. Most notably, a brief audio issue delayed the performance by musical duo The War and Treaty. NBC anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker quickly addressed the glitch on air, and the duo returned later in the program to deliver a powerful performance of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”
As tradition holds, the grand finale of the parade was marked by the arrival of Santa Claus. Riding atop his sleigh float and accompanied by Mrs. Claus, portrayed this year by actress Liza Colón-Zayas, Santa’s appearance symbolized the official start of the Christmas season. Crowds roared as the iconic figure waved to spectators, bringing the celebration to a joyful close.
Even after nearly a century, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to evolve and captivate, blending nostalgia with innovation. This year’s edition, marked by colorful creativity and communal cheer, once again affirmed its status as a beloved cornerstone of America’s holiday traditions.
