1940s, Uncle Sam
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is no doubt the highlight of Thanksgiving in NYC, kicking off the holiday season. It’s up there with the best New York attractions and one of the best things to do in New York in the fall. Before chowing down on turkey and sides, who doesn’t love tuning in to watch the fabulous floats, singing celebs, skilled dancers, top-notch marching bands and of course the iconic Macy’s parade balloons? Lucky New Yorkers can see the parade in person, but the rest of us can stay cozy and warm on the couch and check out the parade on TV in our pjs.
The balloons in the Macy’s parade have evolved over the years, but they always feature beloved cartoon characters both old and new. This year’s parade will feature four new balloons alongside the classics.
Whether you’re seeing the parade in person or watching from the comfort of your home, here are the Macy’s parade balloons to look out for, plus some photos from past parades to conjure up those Thanksgiving feels.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade
Which Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons will I see this year?
In this year’s parade, you’ll see giant floating versions of your favorite characters.
New this year are Minnie Mouse, arctic fox Noorah and Scout Elf, a Bronx Zoo float celebrating 125 years of the zoo, and a Rao's Homemade float with a Pasta Knight who carries a cheese grater as a shield. A few notable returning balloons include the Spider-Man balloon, Dora the Explorer (back for the first time in 15 years), and Dragon Ball hero Goku with a new look this year.
They'll join character balloons from PAW Patrol, SpongeBob, Minions, Pokemon, and Bluey, along with Beagle Scout Snoopy, Ronald McDonald, the Pillsbury Doughboy, and more.
There are also six "balloonicles," hybrid balloon-vehicles that roll along the route, featuring Baby Dinos, Go Bowling, Mouse King, Bluey's Granny's Car, and the Nutcracker. We're most excited, though, about a new balloonicle called Lox & Java Trycaloon—an everything bagel with a classic cup of NYC coffee.
Other visual treats include 33 floats, 11 marching bands, and 24 performers.
Can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons be inflated?
Typically yes, though details for 2024 haven't been announced yet. Watching Macy’s Parade balloons come to life in person is quite a spectacle. The public is usually invited to watch the balloon inflation on Thanksgiving Eve on the Upper West Side from 12-6pm.
The ginormous balloons are inflated around the American Museum of Natural History (77th and 81st Streets, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue). Just be prepared that the line can be quite long.
What floats will the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have this year?
Some of this year's 33 floats include 1-2-3 Sesame Street, McDonald's Big Red Shoe Car, Cam Snoopy, Winter Wonderland in Central Park, Palace of Sweets, Geoffrey's Dazzling Dance Party and the iconic Tom Turkey.
