Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2021: Star-Studded Lineup, Schedule, COVID Guidelines, And More

Macy’s has announced its full lineup for its Thanksgiving Day parade, which will take to the streets of New York City on Nov. 25 at 9 a.m., bringing back a tradition that has lived on for 95 years.

“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,” Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, said in a statement.

Entertainment

The Macy’s parade will have an array of entertainment this year that will include appearances by performers Carrie Underwood, Kristin Chenoweth, Jordan Fisher, Foreigner, Nelly, Kelly Rowland, and Rob Thomas.

Others to appear include aespa, Jimmie Allen, Jon Batiste, “Blue’s Clues & You!” host Josh Dela Cruz and the former hosts of “Blue’s Clues” Steve Burns and Donovan Patton, Darren Criss, Girls5eva, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Chris Lane, Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier, the cast and Muppets of “Sesame Street,” Kim Petras, Tai Verdes, Zoe Wees, and Tauren Wells.

There will also be an appearance by Santa Claus.

Balloons Characters

New giant balloon characters will fill the sky with a total of 15 characters making appearances in the parade for 2021.

New for this year is "Ada Twist," "Scientist" by Netflix, a Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu from the "Star Wars" series “The Mandalorian,” Ronald McDonald from McDonald’s, and Pikachu & Eevee from Pokémon.

Returning giant balloons include Astronaut Snoopy, "The Boss Baby," "Diary of A Wimpy Kid," Baby DINOs, Guku, Chase from "Paw Patrol," the Pillsbury Doughboy, Red Titan, Papa Smurf, Sonic the Hedgehog, and SpongeBob Squarepants & Gary.

The giant balloons will be available for public viewing on Nov. 24 on the Upper West Side from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Access is available at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.

Balloon Character Viewing COVID Guidelines

Viewing is only open to vaccinated people, and capacity will be limited to practice social distancing.

Proof of vaccination will be required in the form of a CDC vaccination card, Mobile Vaccination app (NYC COVID Safe App, CLEAR Health Pass, NY State Excelsior Pass), or photo of vaccination card. A photo ID will also be required.

Children under the age of 12 who are not eligible to receive vaccinations may be accompanied by a vaccinated adult.

Masks will be required at all times.

Floats

A total of 28 floats will participate in the Macy’s parade, including new entrants from Birds of a Feather Stream Together by Peacock, Celebration Gator by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, Colossal Wave of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Gravy Pirates by Heinz, Magic Meets the Sea by Disney Cruise, and Tiptoe’s the North Pole.

Several returning favorites will be back for 2021, including 1-2-3 Sesame Street by Sesame Workshop, Big Turkey Spectacular by Jennie-O, and “Blue’s Clues & You!” by Nickelodeon.

Geoffrey from Toys "R" Us will also make an appearance this year.

Marching Bands, Singers, and Dancers

A number of marching bands will show up to entertain the crowd, as well as performance dance groups and talented singers from across the country. Macy’s said 10 marching bands and nine performance groups are booked for the event.

Parade Route

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade route runs from 77th Street and Central Park West down a 2.5-mile route to Columbus Circle, turning onto Central Park South, and then down 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. At 34th Street, the parade will turn West and end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.

Parade Viewing On TV

Tune in to watch the parade on NBC and Telemundo from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in all time zones. The Macy’s parade can also be streamed on Peacock.