The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to dazzle millions as it sweeps through the streets of New York City on Thursday, boasting an impressive line-up of performers, dazzling new floats, and gigantic balloons, per nbcnews.com.
British singing sensation and Wicked: For Good star Cynthia Erivo will bring a touch of magic to the proceedings, performing the show-stopping opening number for the live broadcast. She will be joined by a host of top musical acts, including country superstar Lainey Wilson and the singing voices behind the hit Netflix animation, KPop Demon Hunters.
The performers for the beloved US holiday spectacle also include stars Ciara, Callum Scott, Colbie Caillat, Russell Dickerson, Darlene Love, Busta Rhymes, Lauren Spencer Smith, and Hamilton actor Christopher Jackson.
This year’s procession will feature 34 giant balloons, 28 floats, 11 marching bands, and a whopping 33 clown crews.
The parade begins at 8:30am ET at West 77th Street and Central Park West. The 2.5-mile route concludes at the famous Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street at noon ET.
Excellent vantage points are available along Central Park West (from West 75th to West 63rd streets), the south side of West 59th Street (between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue), and along Sixth Avenue (from West 59th to West 38th streets). Spectators are advised to avoid areas with limited viewing, such as between West 59th and West 60th streets on Central Park West, and between West 34th and West 38th streets on Sixth Avenue. Early arrivals often stake out spots as early as 6am.
Among the spectacle, four new giant character balloons are making their debut:
The stars of KPop Demon Hunters are also getting the balloon treatment, with Derpy Tiger and Sussie joining the line-up. Additionally, six new themed floats, including ‘Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things’ by Netflix, will take to the streets.
The parade will be broadcast live by NBC and streamed on Peacock, starting at 8:30am in all US time zones. Long-time presenters Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker will host the main celebration.
