The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature a star-studded lineup this year, including renowned artists such as Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, and Teyana Taylor. Taking place in New York on November 27, 2024, the event promises to celebrate both musical talent and pop culture, highlighted by appearances from the singers of the Netflix film “KPop Demon Hunters” alongside character balloons.
This year’s parade will kick off at 08:30 in all time zones, featuring an impressive lineup of 32 balloons, three balloonicles, 27 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands. Returning to host the event are familiar faces from the “Today” show: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. Additional stars will be announced closer to the event, adding to the excitement.
New Features and Celebrations
Broadway will be well-represented, with cast members from productions such as “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time,” and “Ragtime.” The iconic Radio City Rockettes will also perform, alongside notable athletes like three-time U.S. national champion figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S. Paralympian Jack Wallace.
Last year’s parade attracted over 31 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This year, attendees can look forward to the debut of four new character balloons, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario from the Super Mario Brothers franchise, and a whimsical 32-foot (9.8-meter) onion carriage featuring characters from “Shrek.”
Organizers are also incorporating beloved balloons from past parades, such as Rainbow Trout, Happy Hippo Triple Stack, Wigglefoot, and Frieda the Dachshund, in anticipation of next year’s 100th anniversary celebration.
More Stars and Marching Bands Join the Festivities
In addition to the previously mentioned performers, other artists slated to appear 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.
The marching bands participating will represent various states, including South Carolina, California, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and even Santiago, Panama, alongside the New York Police Department’s marching band.
As the parade approaches, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and community, bringing together diverse talents and audiences to kick off the holiday season.
