Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Lineup
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan has been a popular holiday tradition in NYC since 1924. The Macy's Day Parade features more than 8,000 participants each year, but the main draw at this popular NYC parade are the giant balloons and the high-profile bands.
While the line-up for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade changes each year, this annual NY parade has many performers and floats that show up every year. Popular annual performers at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade include the famous Radio City Rockettes, who take their holiday dance routines from the warm theaters of Broadway to the chilly streets of Manhattan in November. Every year, Santa Claus closes the Macy's Day Parade, which helps to kick off the holidays in NYC.
Click here for information on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, including where to stand, when to get there, and the Macy's Day Parade route.
Scroll below for a full list of past Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade bands, giant balloons, floats and more. Check the NYC Events Calendar on NYCTourist regularly, which will feature the upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup as soon as its made available.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons
The lineup of Macy's Day Parade balloons have a long and storied history that dates back to the inception of this popular NYC parade. The giant balloons at the Macy's Day Parade are the most recognizable aspect of the parade in NYC, and new balloons are introduced to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade each year.
Giant Balloons at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Spongebob Squarepants
- Buzz Lightyear™
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid™
- Horton™ ("From Horton Hears a Who")
- Kermit the Frog™
- Pikachu™
- Pillsbury the Doughboy™
- Kung Fu Panda™
- Ronald McDonald™
- Sailor Mickey™
- Shrek™
- Smurf™
- Snoopy™
- Spider-Man™
- Spongebob Squarepants™
- Hello Kitty™
Novelty Balloons (Year's Past)
- Armtie the Pirate
- Candy Cane
- Design a Balloon Contest Winner
- Macy's Elves
- Flying Fish
- Freida the Dachshund
- Harold the Fireman
- Toy Soldier
- Uncle Sam
- Wiggle Worm
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Floats
Like most New York City parades, the Macy's Day Parade floats are a featured attraction. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade floats are a mixture of old and new floats each year. Here is a list of some of the most popular Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade floats from the parade.
Floats at the Macy's Day Parade
- Sesame Street™
- The New York Daily News Big Apple
- Bridge to the Future
- Castle of Dreams
- Dora the Explorer™ Christmas Carol Adventure
- Elves Raise the Roof by OfficeMax
- Golden Eagle Express
- Home Baked Goodness
- International CELEBEARation Clock Tower
- Jolly Polly Pirate Ship
- Hamburger Helper™ Local Heroes Helping Everyday
- Marion-Carol Showboat
- Mount Rushmore's American Pride
- Hilton On the Road Again
- Statue of Liberty (From Despicable Me")
- And many, MANY more... (28 in all)
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Bands
The best marching bands from around the country travel to the Macy's Day Parade each year, with some bands coming from as far away as Guatemala. Each Macy's Day Parade features a number of different marching bands, with the NYC parade featuring 12 bands in all. Scroll below to see some of the marching bands that participated in the Macy's Day Parade.
NY Macy's Day Parade Marching Bands
- Eastern High School Marching Band (Kentucky)
- Green Pass High School Marching Band (Oregon)
- Latin Band "Pedro Molina" (Guatemala)
- NYPD Marching Band
- And of course ...
- The Macy's Great American Marching Band (Featuring performers from around the United States)
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Performers
Each year, high-profile musicians grace the NYC Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade stage at the Official Viewing Area on 34th Street. Famous musicians and Broadway actors perform crowd favorites for the Macy's Day Parade NY audience, as well as millions of viewers on TV. The Macy's Day Parade features a diverse group of talent each year that offers something for everyone. Check out the list below for the performing highlights of the Macy's Day Parade in New York City.
Famous Performers at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Arlo Guthrie
- Gladys Knight
- India Arie
- Jessica Simpson
- The Roots
- Kanye West
- Kylie Minogue
- Macy Gray
- Michael Grimm
Broadway Performers at Past Thanksgiving Day Parades in NYC
Other performers in the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup include hundreds of clowns, specialty units like the NYPD Motorcycle Brigade, performance groups such as the New York City Ballet, and dozens more! Check the NYCTourist New York Events Calendar for a complete list of the upcoming Macy's Day Parade lineup as this popular NYC event nears!
