The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is finally here – and it’s time to spread some joy!

Musical performances and more than half a dozen new floats prepare to take over New York City and kick off the holiday season in full swing!

This year’s parade will feature 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 historic and novelty inflatables, 11 marching bands, more than 700 clowns and 10 musical groups.

Over 3.5 million people in New York City and more than 50 million viewers at home typically watch the parade, thanks to the thousands of volunteers who ensure the celebration runs smoothly.

“Today” show stars Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker are expected to return as hosts.

When is the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Traditionally, the parade takes place on the national holiday, which this year falls on Thursday, November 28th. For the second consecutive year, the event begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 12:00 p.m. in all time zones, followed by an encore presentation at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT.

How can I watch the parade and can it be streamed?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on NBC and is livestreamed on Peacock. Coverage will also be available in Spanish on Telemundo’s broadcast with hosts Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza. Subscribers to Hulu Live, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream and YouTube TV can also livestream the festivities on these platforms.

What is the parade route and can I see it in person?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade stretches 2.5 miles, starting on the Upper West Side and ending at Macy’s Herald Square.

It begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West, runs along Central Park West and crosses Columbus Circle before crossing Central Park South to Sixth Avenue and continuing downtown to Herald Square.

Tickets are not required to watch the parade in person. However, it is best to avoid viewing on Sixth Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets and on West 34th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, as national television broadcasts limit coverage there.

It is also recommended that you arrive “no later than 6 a.m.” to get the best seats.

Will there be special guests and artists?

“Glow” actress Alison Brie will cut the ribbon to kickstart this year’s parade festivities.

Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Loud Luxury, T-Pain, Ariana Madix, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & the Roots, Dan + Shay, Bishop Briggs, Kylie Cantrall, the Temptations, Charli D’Amelio and more are scheduled to perform .

“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will appear, as will Jonathan Bennett, Liza Colón-Zayas, Tom Kenny and Ginna Claire Mason.

There will also be performances of the Broadway musicals “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Outsiders.” And as always, the Radio City Rockettes will be there.

What’s new this year?

The 7 new floats to look out for include the spooky characters from Netflix’s Wednesday, The Addams Family, the wild residents of the Bronx Zoo, Rao’s Pasta Knight, Dara’s Fantastical Rainforest. from Nickelodeon and Disney Cruise Line’s “Magic Meets” the Seas”, Haribo’s “Candy Cosmos” and a “Go Bowling” figure, all in 2024 will make their debut in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.