The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lit up New York City with its iconic blend of oversized balloons, dazzling floats, and unforgettable live performances, delighting millions of viewers and attendees despite a rainy Thanksgiving morning. This beloved holiday tradition featured six new balloons, including Minnie Mouse and Spider-Man, alongside returning favorites like Bluey and SpongeBob SquarePants. The streets came alive with floats like the whimsical Haribo "Candy Cosmos" and Rao’s "Pasta Knight," while stars such as Jennifer Hudson and Dan + Shay stole the spotlight with their powerful performances. From touching moments, like Cynthia Erivo honoring Hoda Kotb’s final year as host, to energetic Broadway displays, the parade delivered joy and nostalgia, kicking off the Christmas season with spectacular charm and holiday cheer.

Spectacular Balloons Take Center Stage

Balloons have always been the stars of the Macy’s Parade, and 2024 was no exception. This year, six new balloons debuted, each tugging at the heartstrings of millennials and families alike. Minnie Mouse floated gracefully, while Spider-Man made his long-awaited return after more than a decade, with his new balloon stretching 77.5 feet long. Fans of Paw Patrol were thrilled to see Marshall’s giant Dalmatian figure, which stood double the size of a New York City fire truck.

Crowds also cheered for returning favorites like Goku from Dragon Ball Z, Stuart the Minion, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Bluey, the beloved Australian cartoon character, had a quick slip but recovered, reminding everyone that even balloons can have fun bloopers.

Celebrity Performances That Stole the Show

Some of the most exciting moments happened in front of Macy’s Herald Square, where major stars lit up the stage. Jennifer Hudson made her parade debut with a soulful rendition of “Jingle Bells” and “Let There Be Joy” from her holiday album, drawing standing ovations no matter how soaked the audience got.

On the Hallmark float, Dan + Shay brought warm country vibes as they performed “Officially Christmas,” joining actors Jonathan Bennett and Ginna Claire Mason for a playful holiday number. Across the way, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots hopped aboard the Santaland Express to premiere Fallon’s new holiday tune “Hey Rudy.”

Broadway fans had much to celebrate, too. Performers from Hell’s Kitchen and The Outsiders brought the stage to the streets, alongside iconic acts like Idina Menzel singing “Great Escape” on a Bronx Zoo-inspired wildlife float.

Float Highlights You Can’t Forget

The creativity behind this year’s float designs left parade-goers in awe. The new “Candy Cosmos” float by Haribo transformed the streets into a sugar wonderland, while Netflix introduced a “Wednesday’s Feast” float starring Jenna Ortega look-alikes and a dramatic performance by Bishop Briggs covering the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.”

For the foodies, Rao’s Homemade debuted the “Pasta Knight” float, complete with knights made of rigatoni and wheels of parmesan cheese. Rachel Platten kept the energy high with a spirited take on “Fight Song,” perfectly matched to the float’s whimsical theme.

A standout moment came when the Wonder Bread float “The Wondership” brought Motown legends The Temptations to life with a rendition of “My Girl,” as colorful confetti rained down on the cheering crowd.

Dance, Laugh, Repeat

The parade was about music, visuals, and movement. Viewers were treated to a performance by the iconic Radio City Rockettes, whose synchronicity and sparkle are always a crowd favorite. TikTok star Charli D'Amelio made waves dancing alongside the timeless Tom Turkey float to a Wayne Newton classic, reminding everyone that Thanksgiving is a time to blend tradition with modern-day fun.

Even a quick fall by a Riverdance performer couldn’t dampen spirits, as the dancer bounced back with grace and finished the routine to thunderous applause.

Santa and Sentimental Moments

No Macy’s parade is complete without Santa Claus, and this year, his arrival was as magical as ever. Accompanied by his sleigh and a flurry of snow-like confetti, Santa officially rang in the Christmas season, much to the delight of kids and adults alike.

There were also touching moments that pulled on heartstrings. Cynthia Erivo, promoting her role in the upcoming Wicked movie adaptation, gave Hoda Kotb a stunning bouquet of flowers, marking Kotb’s final year as a parade host. The two shared an emotional exchange on live TV, celebrating years of Thanksgiving memories together.

Why It Still Matters

For millennials, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade feels like a nostalgic hug paired with the vibrant present. It’s a reminder of simpler times spent lounging in pajamas, eating cinnamon rolls, and seeing the Rockettes and Snoopy on TV. More than that, though, the event reminds viewers of the importance of staying connected to family, friends, and even strangers on a rainy Manhattan street.

With its perfect mix of entertainment, family fun, and holiday spirit, the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off the season and reminded us all to circle back to what matters most during the holidays.