- Jennifer Hudson: The EGOT winner performed “Jingle Bells” and “Let There Be Joy” from her holiday album The Gift of Love, lighting up Herald Square with her powerhouse vocals.
- Kylie Minogue: The Australian pop icon took center stage outside Macy’s flagship store, performing a medley of her hits, including “Padam Padam” and “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.”
- Jimmy Fallon & The Roots: The late-night host and his band performed “Hey Rudy” from Fallon’s new Christmas album Holiday Seasoning atop the Santaland Express float.
- T-Pain: On the Jennie-O golden turkey float, T-Pain energized the crowd with a medley of hits like “Buy U a Drank” and “All I Do Is Win.”
Magnificent Balloons and Floats
This year’s parade showcased 22 giant balloons and 34 floats, each bringing its unique magic to the streets of Manhattan. Notable highlights included:
- Minnie Mouse Balloon: Making her parade debut, Minnie Mouse captivated audiences with her 60-foot-long design, complete with her iconic polka-dot dress.
- Spider-Man Balloon: The web-slinging superhero returned after a decade-long hiatus with a 44-foot-tall, 77.5-foot-long balloon.
- Marshall from Paw Patrol: The beloved Dalmatian delighted fans, his balloon stretching twice the size of a standard NYC firetruck.
- Bronx Zoo Float: Marking its 125th anniversary, the zoo’s float featured animals like giraffes and western lowland gorillas, with Idina Menzel performing “Great Escape.”
Memorable Moments
- Santa Claus Arrival: The parade concluded with Santa Claus making his iconic appearance, signaling the official start of the Christmas season.
- Cynthia Erivo Honors Hoda Kotb: Erivo presented Kotb with flowers during her final parade as a Today host, marking an emotional moment for fans and colleagues alike.
- ‘Riverdance’ Recovery: Despite a minor slip by one of the dancers, the troupe delivered an energetic performance, earning applause for their resilience.
- Bluey Balloon Comeback: After sustaining damage during inflation, the Bluey balloon was quickly repaired and delighted onlookers as it soared above the crowd.
How to Watch and Revisit the Parade
Missed the live broadcast? You can catch the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade highlights online through the live streams on YouTube. Relive the magic anytime with behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews with performers.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade reminded us of the joy and togetherness that this beloved tradition brings. From breathtaking balloons to stellar performances, it was a celebration of artistry, culture, and the holiday spirit. Mark your calendars for next year’s milestone 99th parade—it’s bound to be even more spectacular!
Founder at T.H.E - Music Essentials
Having been a fan of dance music and Armin van Buuren since 2003, I was inspired to start my own electronic music publication with a very simple, and clear goal - to share electronic music with old, and new fans alike. Working alongside a great team has made me keep that goal alive, and build on it.
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