Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2021 Allowing In-Person Viewers Again, Debuting New Floats

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to full swing with new floats. Macy's on Monday officially announced the parade line-up.

The 95th parade kicks off at 9 a.m. ET on Nov. 25 in its usual location of New York City. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 parade marked the first time since 1924 that the in-person parade was canceled. The parade will air from 9 a.m. to noon on NBC and Telemundo and will stream on Peacock.

"It's back, and we're excited to bring it back to the streets of New York City in its full form, in the way that audiences have grown to know and love us," said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"It's going to be a celebration of spectacle, a celebration of performance, a celebration of culture, a celebration of love. It's going to be a really exciting day, and we're really just elated to have the opportunity to bring it back in its true form."

Viewers and parade-goers can expect 15-character balloons, 28 floats, 36 novelty and heritage inflatables, more than 800 clowns, 10 marching bands, 9 performance groups, and of course Santa Claus will be making an appearance at the end of the parade.

New features will include Netflix’s “Ada Twist, Scientist,” The Mandalorian's Grogu or “Baby Yoda,” McDonald’s mascot Ronald McDonald, and a "Pokemon’s" Eevee, will be joining the fan-favorite of 21 years, Pikachu, according to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade line up.

The parade will also have a large number of celebrity appearances and Broadway performances.

Macy’s, the state of New York, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have all partnered to make sure health and safety protocols are in line with Covid-19 measures. Attendees must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, social distancing, and masks.

“For more than nine decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has served to bring joy to millions, who gather with friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration along the streets of New York City and in homes nationwide,” said Coss in a presse release.

“For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created a spectacle to remember featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats and incredible performers. We can’t wait to help New York City and the nation kick-off the holiday season with the return of this cherished tradition.”