The NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade that takes place in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. The parade, which has been broadcast on NBC since 1952, features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrity performers. It is one of the most popular Thanksgiving traditions in the United States.

History

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 as a way to promote Macy’s department store. The first parade featured 400 employees, 10 floats, and a few animal balloons. Over the years, the parade has grown in size and scope, and it now features more than 2,500 participants, 80 floats, and 16 giant balloons.

The parade has been broadcast on NBC since 1952, and it has become one of the most iconic Thanksgiving traditions in the United States. The parade is typically watched by more than 40 million people each year.

Route

The NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route begins on Central Park West at 77th Street. The parade then proceeds south on Central Park West to Columbus Circle, where it turns east onto Central Park South. The parade then continues east on Central Park South to 6th Avenue, where it turns south onto 6th Avenue. The parade then continues south on 6th Avenue to 34th Street, where it turns east onto 34th Street. The parade then continues east on 34th Street to Macy’s Herald Square, where it ends.

Balloons

The giant balloons are one of the most popular features of the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The first giant balloon was added to the parade in 1927, and there are now 16 giant balloons in the parade. The giant balloons are made of latex and are filled with helium. They are typically 50-60 feet tall and weigh 1,000-2,000 pounds.

The giant balloons are a complex engineering feat. They are designed to withstand the wind and rain, and they are equipped with a variety of safety features. The giant balloons are also very expensive to make, and they can cost up to $1 million each.

Floats

The floats are another popular feature of the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The floats are typically large and elaborate, and they are often themed around popular culture or current events. The floats are designed by a team of artists and engineers, and they are built in a warehouse in New Jersey.

The floats are made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and fabric. They are typically 30-40 feet long and 10-12 feet wide. The floats are also very heavy, and they can weigh up to 20,000 pounds.

Marching Bands

The marching bands are a staple of the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade typically features 10-12 marching bands, which come from all over the United States and around the world. The marching bands perform a variety of music, from traditional marches to contemporary pop songs.

The marching bands are a great way to add energy and excitement to the parade. They are also a great way to showcase the talent of young musicians.

Celebrity Performers

The NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade also features a variety of celebrity performers. The parade has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Mariah Carey, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen. The celebrity performers typically perform a song or two from their latest album.

The celebrity performers are a great way to add star power to the parade. They are also a great way to appeal to a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time does the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start? The parade starts at 9:00 AM EST on Thanksgiving Day.
What channel is the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on? The parade is broadcast on NBC.
How long is the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? The parade is three hours long.
Where does the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start? The parade starts on Central Park West at 77th Street.
Where does the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade end? The parade ends at Macy’s Herald Square.
What are the giant balloons made of? The giant balloons are made of latex.
How big are the giant balloons? The giant balloons are typically 50-60 feet tall and weigh 1,000-2,000 pounds.
How many giant balloons are in the parade? There are 16 giant balloons in the parade.
What materials are the floats made of? The floats are made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and fabric.
How big are the floats? The floats are typically 30-40 feet long and 10-12 feet wide.
How many marching bands are in the parade? The parade typically features 10-12 marching bands.
What kind of music do the marching bands play? The marching bands perform a variety of music, from traditional marches to contemporary pop songs.

Additional Information

The NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. The parade is a fun and festive event that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

If you are planning to watch the parade in person, it is important to arrive early. The parade route is typically crowded, and it can be difficult to find a good spot to watch.

You can also watch the parade on TV. The parade is broadcast live on NBC on Thanksgiving Day.

The NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved Thanksgiving tradition. The parade is a great way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

References

NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Weather

The NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event that takes place in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. The parade features giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrity performers.

The weather for the parade is typically cold and clear, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-40s. However, the parade has been known to take place in rain, snow, and even windstorms.

In 1997, the parade was canceled due to high winds. In 2012, the parade was shortened due to Hurricane Sandy.

Despite the occasional weather challenges, the NBC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that brings millions of people together each year.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Performances

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event that takes place in New York City the day after Thanksgiving. One of the highlights of the parade is the live performances, which feature a wide range of musical acts, dancers, and marching bands.

Past performances have included:

Musical performances from artists like Mariah Carey, Billy Joel, and Kenny Chesney.
Dance performances from groups like the Rockettes, the Radio City Rockettes, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Marching bands from around the country, including the United States Army Band "Pershing’s Own," the United States Marine Band, and the Ohio State University Marching Band.

The performances are a major part of the parade’s appeal, and they help to create a festive and exciting atmosphere for the millions of people who watch it each year.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Floats

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is renowned for its extravagant floats, which have become an iconic part of the annual event. These floats are colossal, elaborately decorated platforms that showcase a diverse range of themes, characters, and scenes.

Macy’s first parade in 1924 featured only a few floats, but over the years, the number and size of these floats have grown exponentially. Today, the parade boasts approximately 25-30 floats that are designed and built by a team of expert artists and engineers.

The floats are made of a variety of materials, including papier-mâché, fiberglass, and balloons. They are typically between 30-70 feet long and 10-20 feet high. Each float is meticulously decorated with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and a plethora of lights and animations.

The floats often depict popular characters from children’s literature, television, movies, and pop culture. They also showcase themes related to the holiday season, such as Santa Claus, Thanksgiving dinner, and winter wonderlands. Some floats are even interactive, allowing spectators to join in the festive spirit.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Coverage

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade held in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. The parade has been held since 1924 and is a major holiday tradition for many Americans. The parade features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and performers.

NBC has been broadcasting the parade since 1948. The parade is also broadcast on Telemundo and streamed online. The parade coverage typically begins at 9:00 AM EST and lasts for three hours.

The parade coverage includes commentary from a team of NBC broadcasters. The broadcasters provide information about the parade’s history, the floats, and the performers. The coverage also includes interviews with parade participants and spectators.

The parade coverage is a popular tradition for many Americans. It is a way to celebrate the holiday and to enjoy the spectacle of the parade.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade History

1924: The first parade was held as a Christmas parade for Macy’s employees.
1927: The parade became an annual Thanksgiving event.
1933: Giant balloons of popular characters were introduced.
1942-1944: The parade was canceled during World War II.
1945: The parade resumed with increased popularity.
1950s: Live television coverage began, reaching millions of viewers.
1970s: The parade expanded to include floats from other organizations.
1980s: Giant character balloons became even more elaborate.
1990s: The parade began to feature celebrity performers.
2000s: Technology advancements led to more interactive and immersive experiences.
2010s: Sustainability efforts became a focus, with balloons made from recycled materials.
Present: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains a beloved American tradition, featuring iconic balloons, floats, and musical performances that celebrate the spirit of the holiday season.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved tradition dating back to 1924, follows a festive route through the heart of Manhattan, New York City. The parade starts at the Upper West Side at 77th Street and Central Park West, making its way towards Herald Square along Central Park South. The route continues down Sixth Avenue, turns left onto 34th Street, and finally concludes at Macy’s iconic flagship store on Seventh Avenue, between 34th and 35th Streets.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Live Stream

The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can be streamed live through the following channels:

Official Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade website
NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service
NBC News Now app
FuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV (with subscription)

Coverage begins at 9:00 AM EST and features the beloved balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Lineup

Performance Lineups:

Broadway: Aladdin, Beetlejuice, Come From Away, Moulin Rouge!, & Six
Musicians: Ana Gasteyer & the Broadway Inspirational Voices, Busta Rhymes, Dionne Warwick, Lea Salonga, Nelly, & Pentatonix
Other Performers: Big Apple Circus, Bluey, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Dancing With the Stars Juniors, Dunkin’ "Snickerdoodle Cold Brew" Float, Eva Noblezada, Kristin Chenoweth, Paula Abdul, Tokio Marine Holdings "Feed Your Dreams" Float, The Muppets, Wynton Marsalis, & more

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadcast Time

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on Thursday, November 24th, 2022, from 9 am until 12 pm in all time zones.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Tickets

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a world-renowned event that takes place annually in New York City. Tickets to the parade are highly sought after, and there are several ways to obtain them.

General Admission: Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis along the parade route. Spectators are advised to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
VIP Tickets: Reserved seating and exclusive amenities are available with VIP tickets. These tickets can be purchased directly from Macy’s or through authorized ticket resellers.
Private Viewing Areas: Some hotels and restaurants offer private viewing areas for the parade. These areas typically come with food and beverage packages.
Charitable Events: Tickets to the parade can also be obtained through charitable organizations that partner with Macy’s.

Ticket prices vary depending on the type of experience and seating options. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Behind the Scenes

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event that brings joy to millions of people worldwide. However, few people know the intricate planning and coordination behind the scenes.

Parade Preparation:

Months of planning and preparation begin in January, with designers creating new balloons and floats.
Teams of volunteers and contractors work tirelessly to construct and inflate the massive inflatables.
Rehearsals occur throughout the week leading up to the parade to ensure a smooth and orderly procession.

Parade Day Logistics:

On Thanksgiving morning, over 5,000 participants, including performers, puppeteers, and marching bands, gather at Central Park West.
A massive team of handlers guides the giant balloons and floats along the parade route.
Police officers and volunteers provide crowd control and ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.

Behind-the-Scenes Support:

Over 2,000 volunteers and staff members work tirelessly behind the scenes, from constructing balloons to coordinating logistics.
The parade relies on a fleet of support vehicles, including tow trucks, generators, and medical units.
A command center monitors the entire event to respond to any emergencies or unexpected situations.

Live Broadcast:

The parade is broadcast live to over 50 million viewers across the country.
A team of producers, camera operators, and announcers capture the magic of the parade and deliver a seamless experience to audiences.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a testament to the creativity, teamwork, and dedication of thousands of people who work tirelessly to bring this beloved holiday tradition to life.