The best start to your Turkey Day is now taking place for the 98th time.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns on Thursday, November 28th and will once again feature iconic balloons, unforgettable floats and an array of performances from some of the biggest names in music. TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker are also back to host the annual event, which is expected to bring plenty of joy and fun moments.

To get you in the Thanksgiving spirit, the special “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” aired the night before Thanksgiving on November 27th, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the festivities.

Wendi McLendon-Covey, known for her roles in Bridesmaids, The Goldbergs and the new NBC comedy series St. Denis Medical” will host the special event from the parade starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West in New York City.

The show offers a look at how the floats and costumes are made, as well as a sneak peek at a rehearsal of the legendary Rockettes. Stars of the Broadway show “The Outsiders” who perform in the parade will also appear in the preview special, and a new balloon making its debut in the parade will be unveiled.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which includes 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 historical and novelty character balloons, more than 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, 10 performance groups and musicians.

How to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC and Peacock on November 28 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones, followed by an encore presentation at 2 p.m. ET/PT.

Al, Savannah and Hoda will bring you all the action and the simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.

When does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. ET at 77th Street and Central Park West.

Who is performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

This year’s star-studded lineup includes 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.”

Actress Alison Brie will cut the ribbon to kick off this year’s parade festivities.

“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will appear alongside Jonathan Bennett, Liza Colón-Zayas, Tom Kenny and Ginna Claire Mason. Members of the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty and Ellie the Elephant will also join in the festivities.

As always, there is plenty of Broadway flair. This year will feature performances from the musicals “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Outsiders,” as well as the annual performance of the Radio City Rockettes.

What are the new floats in 2024?

On Nov. 19, Macy’s gave TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer an exclusive first look at some of the six new floats at the Macy’s parade studio in Moonachie, New Jersey. She was accompanied by Brendan Kennedy, head of creative production at Macy’s.

She got an up-close look at Rao’s Homemade’s Pasta Knight float featuring a fire-breathing dragon and an exotic Wondrous World of Wildlife float from the Bronx Zoo, decorated with life-size replicas of giraffes, tigers, a gorilla and more.

The cutest float is the Candy Cosmos from gummy bear supplier Haribo, which includes a giant replica of its golden bear mascot as well as twin snakes, frogs, gummy worms and a rocket ship.

The three other new floats this year are Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest from Nickelodeon & Paramount, Magic Meets the Seas from Disney Cruise Line and Masterfeast from Netflix.

What else is new at the 2024 parade?

The classics like Snoopy and Pikachu are joined by six new balloons this year.

Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse”, Goku from “Dragon Ball” and Marshall from “Paw Patrol” will all take to the streets of Manhattan. Spider-Man also returns after a break.