Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Prepares for 98th Celebration in NYC

The 2024 parade marks the 100th anniversary of the first Macy's parade and promises the largest event to date with new balloons and floats.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 22 giant character balloons, 34 floats, 11 marching bands, and 28 clown crews this year.
Six new balloons, including 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' and 'Bluey,' and seven new floats will debut during the 98th parade.
The event commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first Macy's parade, which began in 1924 as the Macy's Christmas Parade.
Safety protocols for balloon handling have evolved over decades following past mishaps, including notable incidents in 1997 involving high winds.
The parade requires over 8,000 hours of labor, with thousands of volunteers and Macy’s employees contributing to the spectacle.