The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Is Still Going On, And Here’s What You Need To Know

It’s safe to say that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade has become a big part of the holiday — right?!

Macy's Parade

It’s safe to say that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade has become a big part of the holiday — right?! We mean, who doesn’t turn it on and watch all of the epic floats and show-stopping performances while they’re cooking the turkey or getting ready to spend the day with their family?! That’s why this year, people all over the world have been left on the edge of their seats wondering — is it still going on amid the coronavirus pandemic?! Well guys, we have the best news ever for you! Not only is the event still happening, but the performers this year are some of the best the parade has ever seen!

Who Is Performing At The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade This Year?

Macy's Day Spiderman

Get ready, you guys, because Ally Brooke, Bebe Rexha, Brett Young, Camille Schrier, CNCO, Dolly Parton, Ella Mai, Jimmie Allen, Jordin Sparks, Karol G, Keke Palmer, Lauren Alaina, Leslie Odom Jr., the New York City Ballet, Noah Cyrus, Patti Labelle, The Pentatonix, Sebastián Yatra, Sofia Carson and Tori Kelly are all set to hit the stage this year! Wow, talk about a dream team.

Which Balloons Can You Expect To See This Year?

Boss Baby, Ryan’s World, Snoopy, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Paw Patrol, Pokemon, the Pillsbury Dough Boy, Ronald McDonald, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Elf on the Shelf, the Nutcracker and so many more will get their own balloons this year! Plus, the Big Apple Circus will also make an appearance, and you can definitely expect to see the one and only Santa Claus.

Can You Attend The Macy’s Day Parade In Person This Year?

According to a statement on Macy’s website, “In order to avoid gathering large crowds of spectators along our traditional 2.5-mile route in New York City, we have shortened the route to focus solely on the last section of our annual march. On Thanksgiving Day, we will showcase our annual celebration’s signature balloons, floats, performances and herald the arrival of Santa Claus, in front of Macy’s famed flagship store on 34th Street for our national television special on NBC. This change will allow millions of New Yorkers and the nation to safely experience Macy’s beloved spectacle from the comforts of home.”

The statement continued, “To ensure a safe experience for all involved, we are not marching down the streets of Manhattan this year and instead will bring all the magic of this American tradition to you on television and online. In preparation for this one-of-a-kind celebration, the Macy’s team meticulously reviewed every area of the Parade playbook to put in place enhanced health and safety practices that align with CDC guidelines, as well as local and state government protocols.”

The event will not be “a live parade, but something that will really give us that warmth and that great feeling we have on Thanksgiving day,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “It will not be the same parade we’re used to. It will be a different kind of event. They’re reinventing the event for this moment in history, and you’ll be able to feel the spirit and the joy of that day on television, online.”

So can you attend the parade? Unfortunately, the answer is no, as it will be “a television only presentation” this year, but everyone can enjoy it from the comfort of their homes instead.

What Other Safety Precautions Are They Taking?

According to Macy’s, the overall number of participants will be reduced by approximately 75%, splitting the remaining participants over two day. All participants will be socially distanced and required to wear face masks. Macy’s also requires that everyone participating be over 18 years old and reside in the New York tri-state area.

When And Where Will It Take Place?

Macy's Kung Fu Panda

Mark your calendars, people, because the 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide on NBC on Thursday, November 26 from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M., in all time zones.

Why Didn’t They Just Cancel It?

“Macy’s believes in celebration and the joy of marking milestone moments with family and friends,” executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Susan Tercero, explained to Deadline. “The Macy’s Parade is our love letter and gift to the City of New York and the nation. Under the unique challenges of these unparalleled times, we felt it was important to continue this cherished holiday tradition that has been the opening act to the holiday season for generations of families. While it will certainly look different in execution, this year’s Macy’s Parade celebration will once again serve its historical purpose – to bring joy into the hearts of millions across the nation.”

The company also wrote on their website, “Macy’s believes in celebration and the joy of marking milestone moments with family and friends. For nearly 100 years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been synonymous with the official start of the holiday season in the United States. Under the unique challenges of these unparalleled times, we felt it was important to continue this cherished American tradition that has been the opening act to the holiday season for generations of families.” We can’t wait to watch!

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