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Tag: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

  • You’ll Never See KJ Apa and Mr. Fantasy on the Same Thanksgiving Float

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    Photo: TheStewartofNY/Getty Images

    Mr. Fantasy, you’re in the big leagues now, kid. KJ Apa’s Hannah Montana-like alter ego from TikTok has made it all the way to Rockefeller Center for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a little over a week after he was seen in the audience for Dancing with the Stars. He’s not under contract to any broadcast network, a free bird! The superstar Mr. Fantasy joined the oldest float in the parade, the Jolly Polly Pirate Ship, to perform his titular song “Mr. Fantasy,” ahead of new music coming out on November 28. He climbed and danced all around the ship, surrounded by children dressed as pirates, who probably thought that Mr. Fantasy was a part of some type of Lazy Town spin-off. I don’t think he shows up on their FYP.

    When Apa was locked out of his TikTok account, he found a new, strange but productive way to cope by posting and promoting his music as Mr. Fantasy, where he wears a brunette f*ck ass bob wig, fake teeth, and real sunglasses. “It all starts with the music. The music helps me to get specific. Mr. Fantasy is always changing depending on which world he’s entering, and the music is the pioneer. The music is the great master that pulls Mr. Fantasy into these worlds,” he told People in an interview last month. And for the world of the Thanksgiving Parade, Mr. Fantasy is a pirate. Arg!

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  • How Goldfish Designed That Tiny Float for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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    For the past 99 years at Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, spectators have craned their necks to watch giant balloons and larger-than-life floats pass through the streets of New York City. But a word to the wise this year: Don’t forget to look down. You might just catch a glimpse of the tiniest float in the parade’s history. 

    The float—which is 49 times smaller than the average display—comes courtesy of Goldfish, which is returning to the parade for the first time in more than a decade. The float’s design features a wintery snowscape covered with frolicking Goldfish crackers towed by an equally tiny Ram truck. According to Brendan Kennedy, director of creative production at Macy’s Studios, the float measures less than 8 inches tall and 14 inches long. Throughout the parade, it will be circling Herald Square, just outside Macy’s department store.

    [Photo: Goldfish]

    Kennedy, who stepped into his role at the helm of the parade in April 2024, says he’s been spending quite a bit of time digging through the event’s history for its upcoming centennial anniversary. In all that research, he’s never come across another float quite like this one.

    “I don’t think this has ever come close to happening,” Kennedy says.

    [Photo: Goldfish]

    Inside Goldfish’s return to the parade

    Every year, Kennedy says the team at Macy’s is working around 18 months ahead of time to prepare for the next Thanksgiving parade: ensuring the event will have enough street space, selecting brand partners, and ironing out the production schedule. The floats themselves take anywhere from three to six months to fully plan and design. When Goldfish reached out to Macy’s with the idea to build what the company is calling “the Littlest Float” in early September, Kennedy says the team was “already in the home stretch” of building this year’s six new floats.

    Despite the quick turnaround, he knew they had to make it happen. “I got a call from our partnership team, and they said ‘Goldfish has this idea, what do you think?’” Kennedy says. “I was like, ‘Absolutely. I’m in.’” 

    Designing a new float always starts with nailing down a solid story, Kennedy says. In this case, the Goldfish and Macy’s teams pulled inspiration from “Snow Day,” a Goldfish ad originally released in 2015 that shows a crew of three hat-wearing Goldfish crackers sledding, playing hockey, building snowmen, and warming up by the fire. The float’s mock-up included a team of Goldfish enjoying wintery activities in a snowy landscape, topped off by a Goldfish-shaped mound of snow. 

    The last time Goldfish was in the parade was back in 2012, when the brand debuted a somewhat meta float of Goldfish crackers putting on their own parade. “After more than a decade, returning with the Littlest Float allowed us to show up in a way that feels both true to the brand and meaningful to fans,” says Mike Fanelli, the brand’s senior director of marketing.

    [Photo: Goldfish]

    Bringing the tiniest Thanksgiving float ever to life

    Bringing the design to life was an entirely new challenge for the Macy’s team. Typically, Kennedy explains, they’re contending with the massive scale of the floats, which need to be simultaneously spectacular but also street-safe and foldable in order to pack up for transport. Designing a tiny float invited its own host of unique considerations: namely, how to make the wintery scene durable at such a small size. 

    Kennedy’s team addressed that concern by building a custom base, which is hidden by a lining of orange fringe around the float. It’s an aluminum structure, made in the shape of a Goldfish cracker, that was hand-cut in-house. Kennedy describes it as “essentially a thick skateboard.” Most important for the float’s longevity, its wheels are omnidirectional, meaning it won’t easily be tripped up on uneven surfaces.

    “[The wheels] kind of look like a Ping-Pong ball inside of a metal scoop,” Kennedy says. “They’re used in robotics a lot of the time. We found that these worked best because of their omnidirectional ability. A traditional float bed just has to roll straight and then turn, and it’s just these big old tires. But for this, it could basically go in any direction at any point.”

    [Photo: Goldfish]

    On top of the aluminum base, the part of the Littlest Float that’s actually visible is a 3D-printed landscape that’s been sanded down and hand-painted to achieve a detailed look up close. As a finishing touch, the whole contraption is pulled by a tiny Ram truck with workable blinkers and side mirrors, manufactured by a company called Primal RC that makes an officially licensed miniature of the vehicle. Kennedy says this element was important for continuity, since Ram is a sponsor of the parade, and its trucks will be pulling all the standard-size floats. 

    To get the right shot of the diminutive float, the Macy’s team worked with NBC, the parade’s broadcast partner, to set up a dedicated steady rig camera that sits just 6 inches off the ground. On the day of the event, a team of actors—purposefully selected to be above-average height in order to play up the conceit—will follow the Littlest Float around the square and keep an eye on it.

    “I think it’s really fun and silly, and it’s such a good way of showing how the Macy’s Studios team can come together and reinvent what it means to parade,” Kennedy says. “It’s clowns, and performances, and magic—to make everybody look up, see some balloons, forget about their day or week or year, and just have some fun. We really just like coming up with new ways to do that for all the folks on the street and at home.”

    BY Grace Snelling

    This article originally appeared in Inc.’s sister publication, Fast Company.

    Fast Company is the world’s leading business media brand, with an editorial focus on innovation in technology, leadership, world changing ideas, creativity, and design. Written for and about the most progressive business leaders, Fast Company inspires readers to think expansively, lead with purpose, embrace change, and shape the future of business.

    The final deadline for the 2026 Inc. Regionals Awards is Friday, December 12, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.

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  • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings Pac-Man, Shrek and Labubu to Manhattan

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    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brought balloons depicting Buzz Lightyear, Shrek and Pac-Man to the New York City skies on Thursday, as floats featuring Labubu and Lego graced the streets.

    The parade, which started on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and closed at the iconic Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, included dozens of balloons, floats, clown groups and marching bands.

    It was a chilly day in the city, with temperatures in the 40s, but wind gusts between 25 mph and 30 mph making it feel colder, according to David Stark, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New York.

    Officials watched the forecast closely, since city law prohibits Macy’s from flying full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or wind gusts are over 35 mph. Weather has grounded the balloons only once, in 1971, but they also sometimes have soared lower than usual because of wind.

    But a little cold wasn’t a big deal for Megan Christy, who traveled to the city from Greensboro, North Carolina, for the parade, donning a warm onesie as she staked out a spot along the route.

    “It’s not raining. We’re very excited about that. And it’s not too bad. Not too cold,” she said. “It’s just a great day for a parade.”

    A star-studded lineup of performances were sprinkled throughout the show, along with a slew of marching bands, dancers and cheerleaders.

    Did you know that a studio in Moonachie, New Jersey, is where dozens of artisans work year-round to build the giant floats and spectacular balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? NBC New York’s Jennifer Vázquez takes us on a tour. 

    Performers included “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Foreigner, Lil Jon, and Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of this year’s Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.” The Radio City Rockettes were also there, as were cast members from Broadway’s “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.”

    The parade featured a few new balloons, including a large onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “ Shrek.” “KPop Demon Hunters” was also represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie.

    The event aired on NBC, hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker from “Today” and their former colleague Hoda Kotb. On Telemundo, the hosts were Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow. The parade was also simulcast on NBC’s Peacock streaming service.

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  • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to kick off in Manhattan

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    Dozens of balloons and floats filled the streets of Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Many of the familiar balloon favorites like Marshall, the Dalmatian from Paw Patrol, and Dora the Explorer are joined by new friends this year like Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, and Mario. Creative new floats were on display along Central Park, giant Lebubus, and *** demogorgon from the. Down delighted the crowds. The parade is just such *** great part of New York and it’s such *** great part of history. It’s the greatest show on Earth, and we’re just so lucky to be part of it. April Rubens Stone raced to the front of the viewing line, eager to keep the decades-long tradition going. It doesn’t matter what age you are, it’s for everybody. For others, seeing the parade is *** once in *** lifetime opportunity. They couldn’t wait to. Growing up seeing this on television, I had always wished to come and see one live, so this is definitely on my bucket list and pressing it out. I’ve wanted to do it for 25 years to come and watch them blow up the floats, and we finally said let’s do it. While everyone has something unique they’re eager to see in the parade, one common thread connects them all. I’m thankful for. Uh, my family and my 90 year old mother. Thankful for our family and for everyone’s health. This is our first Thanksgiving as *** family of four, so he’s got *** little brother. Are you thankful for your little brother? In New York, I’m Lee Waldman.

    Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to kick off in Manhattan

    Updated: 7:10 AM EST Nov 27, 2025

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    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off Thursday in New York City, with new balloons depicting Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man set to take to the skies and floats featuring Labubu and Lego gracing the streets.The parade is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. EST, rain or shine, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and will end at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street.It’s expected to be a chilly day in the city, with temperatures in the 40s, but wind gusts between 25 mph and 30 mph will make it feel colder, according to David Stark, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New York.Officials are watching the forecast closely, since city law prohibits Macy’s from flying full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or wind gusts are over 35 mph. Weather has grounded the balloons only once, in 1971, but they also sometimes have soared lower than usual because of wind.Authorities will decide Thursday morning whether any balloon adjustments are needed, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. The parade has been a magnet for protests in the last two years, when pro-Palestinian protesters entered the parade route. Police “are prepared to address that and any other situations that come our way,” Tisch said.A star-studded lineup of performances will be sprinkled throughout the show, along with a slew of marching bands, dancers and cheerleaders. Performers include “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Foreigner, Lil Jon, and Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of this year’s Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.” The Radio City Rockettes also will be there, as will cast members from Broadway’s “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.”All told, the parade is expected to feature dozens of balloons, floats, clown groups and marching bands — all leading the way for Santa Claus. Among the new balloons being featured is a large onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “Shrek.” “KPop Demon Hunters” will also be represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie.The event will air on NBC, hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker from “Today” and their former colleague Hoda Kotb. On Telemundo, the hosts will be Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow.The parade is also being simulcast on NBC’s Peacock streaming service.

    NEW YORK —

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off Thursday in New York City, with new balloons depicting Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man set to take to the skies and floats featuring Labubu and Lego gracing the streets.

    The parade is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. EST, rain or shine, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and will end at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street.

    It’s expected to be a chilly day in the city, with temperatures in the 40s, but wind gusts between 25 mph and 30 mph will make it feel colder, according to David Stark, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New York.

    Officials are watching the forecast closely, since city law prohibits Macy’s from flying full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or wind gusts are over 35 mph. Weather has grounded the balloons only once, in 1971, but they also sometimes have soared lower than usual because of wind.

    Authorities will decide Thursday morning whether any balloon adjustments are needed, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

    The parade has been a magnet for protests in the last two years, when pro-Palestinian protesters entered the parade route. Police “are prepared to address that and any other situations that come our way,” Tisch said.

    A star-studded lineup of performances will be sprinkled throughout the show, along with a slew of marching bands, dancers and cheerleaders. Performers include “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Foreigner, Lil Jon, and Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of this year’s Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.” The Radio City Rockettes also will be there, as will cast members from Broadway’s “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.”

    All told, the parade is expected to feature dozens of balloons, floats, clown groups and marching bands — all leading the way for Santa Claus. Among the new balloons being featured is a large onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “Shrek.” “KPop Demon Hunters” will also be represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie.

    The event will air on NBC, hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker from “Today” and their former colleague Hoda Kotb. On Telemundo, the hosts will be Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow.

    The parade is also being simulcast on NBC’s Peacock streaming service.

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  • Road closures for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: What to know

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    A number of roads will close starting early Thursday morning and going through the conclusion and clean up of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

    Officials are encouraging parade spectators to use public transportation to get to the event, which will go on rain or shine.

    What roads are closed for the Thanksgiving parade?

    Here is a preliminary list from the NYPD:

    Parade Formation:

    • Columbus Avenue between 72nd Street and 86th Street
    • Central Park West between 81st Street and 86th Street
    • 86th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 85th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 84th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 83rd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 82nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 76th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 75th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 74th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 71st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 68th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
    • 62nd Street between Central Park West and Broadway
    • 61st Street between Central Park West and Broadway
    • 59th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue

    Parade Route:

    • Central Park West between 81st Street and East Side of Columbus Circle/59th Street
    • Columbus Circle (Entire Circle)
    • 59th Street between Columbus Circle and 6th Avenue
    • 6th Avenue between 59th Street and 34th Street                                                                            
    • 34th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue

    Parade Dispersal:

    • 33rd Street between 5th Avenue and 10th Avenue
    • 34th Street between 7h Avenue and 8th Avenue
    • 34th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue
    • 35th Street between 5th Avenue and 8th Avenue
    • 36th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue
    • 37th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue
    • 38th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue
    • 39th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue
    • 40th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue
    • 41st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue
    • 7th Avenue between 31st Street and 41st Street
    • Broadway between 45th Street and 34th Street

    Miscellaneous:

    • 58th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue
    • 43rd Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue
    • 40th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
    • 39th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
    • 38th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
    • 37th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
    • 36th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
    • 32nd Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue
    • 6th Avenue between 32nd Street and 34th Street
    • 8th Avenue between 41st Street and 33rd Street
    • Broadway between 33rd Street and 34th Street
    • Broadway between Columbus Circle and 58th Street
    • Grand Army Plaza between 59th Street and 5th Avenue

    Additional cross streets will close between:

    • Columbus Avenue and Central Park West
    • Columbus Avenue and Broadway
    • 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue

    When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.

    What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 8:30 a.m.

    How long does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade run?

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade runs until 12 p.m. on Thursday.

    Where does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

    The parade begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m.

    What is the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

    The parade starts on the Upper West Side at West 77th Street and Central Park West.

    The balloons, floats and bands will then run along Central Park West from West 77th Street to West 59th Street. It will go around Columbus Circle and east on Central Park South.

    From Central Park South, the parade will turn down 6th Avenue. The parade will run down 6th Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square on West 34th Street.

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    NBC New York Staff

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  • Thanksgiving parade 2024 balloon inflation: Where to see in person in NYC Wednesday

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    For spectators who want to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons without the same crowds (and rain) that are likely on Thursday, the balloon inflation on Wednesday afternoon is always a popular option.

     The holiday season really kicks off when the massive helium balloons start floating through New York. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade — one year away from its 100th birthday — this year will feature 32 balloons, 3 hot air balloons, 27 floats, 4 special units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, performance groups and the biggest stars in music, all welcoming Santa Claus and the holiday season.

    The balloon inflation is a fan-favorite, family-friendly kickoff to the parade, the day before the bands and balloons start their Thursday morning march down Central Park West.

    When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation?

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 1 to 6 p.m.

    The line for public viewing will open at 12 p.m.

    Where is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation?

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation takes place on the Upper West Side outside of the Museum of Natural History between West 77th and West 81st Streets.

    How can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation?

    NBC 4 New York will present a special program reporting live on the balloon inflation at 2 p.m. ET on the NBC 4 New York streaming channel wherever you stream, or in the NBC New York app.

    Where do I go for the balloon inflation?

    Spectators can enter the line at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Entry closes at 6 p.m.

    What streets are closed for the balloon inflation?

    Central Park West will be closed from West 72nd Street to West 86th Street through 12 p.m. on Thursday.

    West 72nd Street to West 85th Street will be closed from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue through 12 p.m. on Thursday.

    The 79th Street Transverse will be closed through 12 p.m. on Thursday.

    In less than a week, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will march down Sixth Avenue in front of thousands of people from around the world. The finishing touches are being put in place. NBC News 4 New York’s Gilma Avalos reports.

    When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.

    What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 8:30 a.m.

    How long does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade run?

    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade runs until 12 p.m. on Thursday.

    Where does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

    The parade begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m.

    Have you ever wondered how the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began? Join NBC New York’s Jennifer Vázquez on a historical dive of the beloved event and how immigrant communities helped create this tradition.

    What is the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

    The parade starts on the Upper West Side at West 77th Street and Central Park West.

    The balloons, floats and bands will then run along Central Park West from West 77th Street to West 59th Street. It will go around Columbus Circle and east on Central Park South.

    From Central Park South, the parade will turn down 6th Avenue. The parade will run down 6th Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square on West 34th Street.

    Where are the best spots to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade?

    Spectators can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade along much of the route.

    Some spots to consider viewing include Central Park West between West 60th and West 77th Streets, Central Park South, or on 6th Avenue between West 38th Streets and Central Park South.

    There are a few areas that do not allow public viewing including:

    • West 77th Street and Central Park West (starting point)
    • Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets
    • Columbus Circle
    • 6th Avenue between West 34th & West 38th Streets
    • West 34th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues

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  • Middle East war heightens security concerns in U.S.

    Middle East war heightens security concerns in U.S.

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    Middle East war heightens security concerns in U.S. – CBS News


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    A multi-agency security assessment reviewed by CBS News suggests a “heightened threat environment” in the U.S. related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Tom Hanson has more.

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  • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches on after interruption from protesters

    Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches on after interruption from protesters

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    Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches on after interruption from protesters


    Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches on after interruption from protesters

    02:37

    NEW YORK — Protesters temporarily interrupted the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as it marched through New York City. 

    The iconic balloons and marching bands had to veer around the demonstrators, who laid down in the street, but it did not stop the 97-year event from going on.

    It’s not yet clear what the protest was about or if anyone was arrested. 

    CBS New York’s Jenna DeAngelis spent Thursday morning along the parade route, where the sights and sounds lit up the faces of all ages lined up to take in the near-century-year-old tradition.

    She spoke with a family from Virginia, who said the parade lived up to its hype.

    “It means a lot, because I’ve never see the Macy’s day parade and I’m so excited,” Syndney Abeyta told DeAngelis.

    “Definitely in person versus watching it on TV. I grew up in California always watching it on TV, so being here is definitely a first-time experience,” Nacho Abeyta said.

    “This is the best experience. We’re excited,” said Shermila McKinney of Mississippi, adding when asked if the parade lived up to the hype, “One hundred percent, yes!”

    THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE: John Dias is out on the route, giving us a look at this year’s parade! 🦃

    Posted by CBS New York on Thursday, November 23, 2023

    There’s nothing quite like a front-row seat to see the six balloonicles, 31 floats, 18 performers, 29 clown crews, 11 marching bands, and more. Seven new featured balloons debuted this year, including Kung Fu Panda’s Po and the Pillsbury Doughboy.

    “It’s special to be here, I love coming to the city,” said Brianna Laucella, of Wantagh.

    Twins Donald and Ephram have their birthday coming up in two days. Donald has stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. The parade is how he wanted to celebrate turning 8. The NYPD made it happen, giving him special access.

    “To be able to celebrate my kids and have him with us another year just means everything and that’s what were grateful for,” mother and Staten Island resident Nickell Morgan said.

    Ahead of the parade, the NYPD shared its safety measures, including new technology.     

    “Security begins the day after last year ends,” Commissioner Edward Caban said.

    “We can send our drone truck to the location, get a bird’s-eye view of exactly what’s going on,” Assistant Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said.

    “We’re able to monitor the balloons, keep an eye on people, and make sure everyone is safe,” Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey added.   

    Police said they plan for the parade all year, aiming for a safe and happy Thanksgiving for all. 

    See our special coverage of Wednesday’s balloon inflation event here.

    John Dias


    john-dias-small-2019.png

    John Dias is an Emmy-nominated reporter. He joined CBS2 News in November 2017.

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  • What to expect on

    What to expect on

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    What to expect on “The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS” – CBS News


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    “Entertainment Tonight”‘s Kevin Frazier and E! News’ Keltie Knight are hosting “The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS.”

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  • Pro-Palestinian protesters force Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to stop

    Pro-Palestinian protesters force Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to stop

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    Pro-Palestinian protesters force Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to stop

    Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was temporarily paused when a group of about 30 pro-Palestinian protesters ran into the street and apparently glued themselves to the pavement of the parade route in New York City.

    The protesters were demonstrating along Sixth Avenue when a handful of them jumped the barricades and ran into the street along 49th Street.

    PHOTO: People demonstrate during the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York City, Nov. 23, 2023. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters)PHOTO: People demonstrate during the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York City, Nov. 23, 2023. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters)

    PHOTO: People demonstrate during the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York City, Nov. 23, 2023. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters)

    The protesters have been taken into custody, officials said.

    MORE: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Through the Years

    President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden called into the parade to give their thanks and urged Americans to “come together.”

    “We have to remind ourselves how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth,” the president said. “Today is about coming together, giving thanks for this country we call home. And thanks to all the firefighters, police officers, first responders and our troops, some of whom are stationed abroad.”

    The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in 1927. It’s been a holiday tradition ever since.

    ABC News’ Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report.

    Pro-Palestinian protesters force Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to stop originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

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