Thanksgiving Fun: What's New in the Big Parade?

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is back for its 99th year, and it's bigger than ever! This year, you can expect to see 34 balloons, 28 floats, and a whole bunch of other fun stuff. The parade kicks off at 8:30 a. m. ET on Thanksgiving Day, so mark your calendars! This year, there are five new balloons joining the lineup, including favorites like Buzz Lightyear and Mario. And if you're a fan of "Stranger Things, " you'll want to keep an eye out for the new float, "Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things. " The parade route is the same as always, starting at West 77th Street and Central Park West, and ending at the Macy's flagship store in Herald Square. If you're planning to watch in person, the best spots are near the beginning on Central Park West, at 59th Street and Seventh Avenue, and at Herald Square. If you can't make it to New York City, don't worry! You can watch the parade on NBC starting at 8:30 a. m. in all time zones. It will also stream on Peacock, and Fubo subscribers can tune in as well. Plus, there will be a live audio description for blind and visually impaired viewers. And let's not forget about the performers! This year's lineup includes Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Shaggy, among others. There are also four balloonicles, which are a mix of balloons and self-powered vehicles. Three of them are new this year, so keep an eye out for those too.