How to watch the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live online or on TV, including free options

09/28/2024, 7:20 AM
fastcompany.com

Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been entertaining the masses while the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are being prepared. On paper, that makes 2024 the centennial year, but the parade did not take place from 1942-44 because of World War II, so the big 100th birthday is still a couple years away.

This year’s parade will take place on Thursday, November 28, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Let’s take a look at some history, what’s new this year, and how to tune in.

Where did the giant balloons come from in the first place?

Today, one of the most iconic elements of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the presence of giant character balloons. It might surprise you to learn that the first three years of the parade didn’t include them, as People magazine reports. A Felix the Cat balloon debuted in 1927, but it was filled with air—not helium—and held up by stilts.

Even more surprising is what was done with the early floating creations. They were simply untethered and released, often traveling to Long Island, according to People. A reward was offered to whoever returned a balloon, but this caused some people to rip it into pieces to try to get a prize.

This practice was discontinued when a balloon got caught in a propeller of a small plane almost, causing it to crash. Pilots and the environment are both thankful that today the balloons are deflated and stored for future use.

Will there be new balloons in the parade this year?

The 2024 parade will feature 17 character and 15 novelty balloons. Six of these are brand-new, as USA Today reports. Disney fans will be happy to see Minnie Mouse making her debut in balloon form. She measures in at 60 feet tall and 34 feet wide. That’s as tall as a five-story building and the width of five taxis.

A new Spider-Man balloon will also grace the skies. This is the third version of the superhero, this time honoring the late comic book artist John Romita Sr.’s vision of the character. It is 77.5 feet tall and 44 feet wide. To put that in perspective, that length is equal to two standard New York transit buses.

Rounding out the list of new balloons is Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, Goku from Dragon Ball, and Marshall from PAW Patrol.

Ballon lineup: You can see the full balloon lineup here.

Ribbon cutter, parade route, performers, and more

There is more to the parade than balloons. Twenty-two floats and lots of star power will also traveling the path from West 77th Street and Central Park West down Sixth Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square are 22 floats.

The festivities kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and this year’s actress Alison Brie is doing the honors.

Idina Menzel will be on board the Bronx Zoo’s Wondrous World of Wildlife float and will sing a song from her new Broadway show Redwood.

T-Pain will perform on the Jennie-O Turkey float. The rapper is stoked to make his parade debut. Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, and Billy Porter will sing their hearts out in Herald Square.

Route: You can see the full parade route here.

How can I watch or stream the parade live?

Hosts Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker will guide audiences through all the pageantry on NBC and Peacock beginning from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones. If you have a pay-TV provider, you can watch NBC live online and via its mobile apps.

If you miss it the first time, there is a chance of redemption for you with an encore at 2 p.m. ET/PT. Telemundo is also simulcasting the festivities in Spanish with hosts Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.

For those without Peacock, a traditional cable subscription, or over-the-air antenna with reception, your best bet is a live-TV streaming service that carries NBC. Those include: