The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is a time-honored tradition in the United States. People line the streets of Manhattan early Thursday morning and enjoy the massive balloons, performances, and celebrities that walk by.
Every year is a little bit different – new balloons, to keep current with our pop culture, and new performances from broadway shows and musicians – which keeps the parade entertaining and an event families can look forward to (before all the food that comes later that night).
Due to the inclement weather conditions expected to hit New York City on Thursday morning, there is a chance the balloons could be ‘grounded’ – when it takes 90 people to maneuver one through the streets, the safety of those in and attending the parade is a massive concern. If winds top 34 mph, the balloons are a no-go. The forecast? Maximum potential for wind gusts up to 35 mph. It’ll be a close call that may come down to the wire.
Below is a selection of what you’ll see during the parade. For a full list of every balloon, balloonicle (who knew that was a thing), performer, marching band, performance group, clown, novelty balloon and float, you can check out the official Macy’s 87th Thanksgiving Day Parade website.
The Balloons
Snoopy and Woodstock
America’s favorite beagle and his adorable friend, Woodstock the bird, will be making their 33rd appearance in the parade this year.
Toothless the Dragon from How to Train Your Dragon
While the first movie came out nearly three years ago, it’s only appropriate that there’s a balloon this year honoring the movie, considering How To Train Your Dragon 2 premieres next June. In fact, the first poster promoting the movie debuted just last week.
Jake and Finn from Adventure Time
One of balloons making it’s debut this year, Jake and Finn will go on an adventure down 6th Avenue among other iconic cartoons in the parade.
Spongebob Squarepants, holiday edition
While Spongebob has been a staple of the parade for nearly a decade now, this year he’s getting a holiday facelift with the inclusion of a santa hat.
Ballons you won’t see:
Every year is a little bit different, and while the classics, like Snoopy, are a pretty safe bet, some balloons, like Shrek and Scooby Doo have been retired to make room for newer balloons.
Balloonicles
A hybrid between balloon and vehicle, these are self-powered and don’t need handlers like the massive balloons do.
A Dreidel
Did you know Hanukkah (or, Chanukah) starts on Thanksgiving night for the only time in our lives – unless you plan on living for the next 70,000 years and/or are the Face of Boe? Macy’s is honoring the holiday with a spinning Dreidel. Shalom, everybody!
Kool-Aid Man
An icon of many people’s childhoods, the Kool-Aid Man makes an appearance during the parade, busting down walls all along the parade route.
Performances:
No matter what kind of music you like, there’s almost a guarantee you’ll like someone preforming in the parade this year. The list includes, but is not limited to:
Ariana Grande
Austin Mahone
Gavin DeGraw
Fall Out Boy
Florida Georgia Line
Fifth Harmony
Jimmy Fallon and the Roots
Santa’s Sleigh
And of course, who better to finish the parade than Santa Claus! As Santa waves goodbye, go get to your marathon day of cooking, then day (or two) of feasting!
Happy Holidays!
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