November 22, 2024
We’re so lucky to bring that joy and magic to the rest of the country.
Macy’s director of creative production, Brendan Kennedy. A holiday tradition for nearly a century, the parade will march into its 98th year – with 34 floats, 22 giant balloons and 28 performers.
The History: The event began as “Macy’s Christmas Parade” in 1924 when Macy’s employees asked the company to have a parade for giving thanks and celebrating the upcoming Christmas holiday. In 1927, balloons replaced live animals (one report says zoo animals scared children along the path), and the tradition of large characters has continued ever since. The parade has only missed three years in its history – from 1942 to 1944 when Macy’s suspended the parade during WWII and donated rubber supplies from balloons to the military.
The 2024 Parade: The parade sees millions of people along its 2.5-mile route, with televised performances taking place in front of Macy’s famous 34th Street store. Some of this year’s performers include Jennifer Hudson, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots and Walker Hayes. You can watch the parade (which begins at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones this year) via livestream on NBC and Peacock.
Did You Know? While Mickey Mouse first appeared in the parade in 1934, Minnie will get her debut character balloon this year (although she has appeared as a character on the floats).
Read More: Here’s how to watch the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Today)
Explore the lineup and history on Macys.com
Image Credit: Macy’s
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
