Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebrates 98th Edition with Record Viewership in New York City

New York City Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Spectacle

New York City once again played host to the beloved Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 28, 2024. The 98th annual procession, a cherished American tradition, commenced at 8:30 a.m. EST, drawing millions of spectators to the streets of Manhattan and achieving record-breaking television viewership nationwide.

Despite a day marked by rain and cold weather, the festive spirit remained undimmed as the parade made its way along the 2.5-mile route. The parade began at West 77th Street and Central Park West, proceeding south to Columbus Circle, then east along Central Park South before turning onto 6th Avenue and concluding at Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street.

A Dazzling Display of Balloons and Floats

The 2024 parade showcased an impressive array of inflatables and mobile spectacles. Highlights included:

• 34 giant balloons and four mini-balloons, featuring beloved characters.
• Notable new character balloons making their debut or returning in new forms included Minnie Mouse (for the first time ever), a new version of Spider-Man, Dora the Explorer, Elf on a Shelf, Paw Patrol's Marshall, Goku, Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, and Bluey.
• 28 elaborate floats, some of which were brand new for this year. New floats included 'Dora's Fantastical Rainforest,' 'Go Bowling,' 'Wondrous World of Wildlife,' and the return of 'Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.' A unique addition was the 'tiniest float' ever, presented by Goldfish, measuring less than 8 inches tall and 14 inches long.

Star-Studded Performances and Marching Bands

The parade featured a diverse lineup of musical acts and performance groups, entertaining both the live audience and television viewers. Over 8,000 participants, including 5,000 volunteers, contributed to the massive production. The event boasted 11 marching bands from across the country and 33 clown groups, alongside various performance ensembles.

Celebrated performers gracing the floats and stages included Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Cynthia Erivo, Idina Menzel, Dan + Shay, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, T-Pain, Lea Salonga, Bishop Briggs, Coco Jones, Walker Hayes, Rachel Platten, Joey McIntyre, Natti Natasha, Alex Warren, Ariana Madix, Charli D'Amelio, Chloe Bailey, Dasha, Sebastián Yatra, The War and Treaty, Kylie Cantrall, The Temptations, Tiler Peck, Roman Mejia, Cole Escola, Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Audrey Nuna, EJAE, Rei Ami, Ciara, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, and Teyana. The parade concluded with the traditional arrival of Santa Claus, signaling the official start of the holiday season.

Record Viewership and Broadcast Details

The 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade achieved a significant milestone in television ratings. A record-breaking 31.3 million viewers tuned in across all platforms, including NBC and Peacock. The NBC broadcast alone garnered 23.6 million viewers, making it the most-watched entertainment program on linear television in nearly five years and the most-watched TV special of the year. The official broadcast was hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker on NBC, with a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.

While the event largely proceeded smoothly, there was a brief interruption by pro-Palestinian protesters, which authorities quickly managed, allowing the parade to continue its course. The success of the 98th annual parade underscores its enduring appeal as a cherished holiday tradition for millions across the United States.