CBS.news – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off in New York City today, as theĀ iconic balloons, floats and performers march through Manhattan.
The parade starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28 — the fourth Thursday in November. It’s expected to last 3.5 hours, wrapping up around noon.Ā
Last year’s parade was briefly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters who laid down in the street. The parade veered around the demonstrators and was able to continue.
In case you missed it, check out last night’s balloon inflation celebration as the classic characters came to life.
Families across the country start their Thanksgiving traditions by turning on the parade. While many watch from the comfort of their homes, others flock to Manhattan to catch all the action in person.
Spectators were allowed to start lining up as early as 6 a.m. between West 75th and 61st streets along Central Park West.Ā
Once the parade heads south onto Sixth Avenue, the best viewing spots will be from West 59th to 38th streets. The parade begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West on the Upper West Side. It turns onto Central Park South at the bottom of the park, and then over to Sixth Avenue.
The route stretches about 2.5 miles south to reach Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square on West 34th Street.
Along the way, the parade marches by Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center, then by the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.
Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah & Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Goku from “Dragon Ball,” Marshall from “PAW Patrol” and Spider-Man, which is making its return after more than a decade.
There will also be 34 floats, 28 clown crews, 11 marching bands, 11 performance groups and seven “balloonicles.” They will be joined by 28 performers, including the WNBA Champion New York Liberty and their beloved mascot Ellie the Elephant.
The full list also features: Alex Warren, Ariana Madix, Bishop Briggs, Charli D’Amelio, Chlƶe, Coco Jones, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Joey McIntyre, Kylie Cantrall, Lea Salonga, Liza ColĆ³n-Zayas, Natti Natasha, Rachel Platten, Roman Mejia, SebastiĆ”n Yatra, The Temptations, Tiler Peck, T-Pain, Walker Hayes and The War and Treaty.
