Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2018: Balloons and Floats Your Kid Won't Want to Miss
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an American staple. If you and your family don’t have the parade on Thanksgiving morning, you’re doing it wrong.
The annual Manhattan fanfare is filled with fun floats, performances and, of course, epic balloons your kid will want to see. For your viewing pleasure, we’ve grabbed everything your youngster will want to catch a glimpse of this year. Check out our parade highlights below.
The Details
Tune in to NBC for parade-day exclusives with hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. and wrap up at 12 p.m.—with the much-anticipated arrival of Santa! You can also experience the thrill of being in the heart of New York City with the 360-degree livestream.
The Balloons
The 92nd annual parade will feature fan-favorite balloons as well as some fairly new appearances. Here are the larger-than-life characters your kid will go gaga for when he sees them stroll down 34th street.
Olaf: Frozen
Everyone’s favorite snowman returns to the parade with his big smile and warm hugs. The float requires 90 handlers and is 60 feet tall, 59 feet long and 32 feet wide.
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown’s famous kite balloon requires 90 handlers, and measures 26 feet wide, nearly 30 feet tall and more than 80 feet long.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Keep your eyes peeled for the Grinch and his sidekick, Max, as they make their way through midtown Manhattan with a sack of toys. And be sure to catch the latest animated remake of The Grinch, which is in theaters now. Holiday weekend plans, anyone?
Jett: Super Wings
The fun-loving plane from the animated series Super Wings will make his second flight through NYC’s parade. Fun fact: The float’s wingspan is equal to the size of an actual Learjet!
Chase: Paw Patrol
The fearless pup Chase is coming to the ruff, ruff rescue, wearing a hat that’s big enough to cover an entire police squad car.
Pikachu
Making its 18th consecutive appearance, Pikachu is traveling with his friend, Snowman Pikachu.
Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger: Power Rangers
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Power Rangers franchise, and the red ranger marks the longest balloon in the parade—his arm is 45 feet long, or the length of a school bus!
SpongeBob SquarePants
The cartoon character was the first-ever square balloon in the parade, and this year marks his 13th time making a visit to city that never sleeps.
Trolls
The infamous trio—Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond—is making their way down the streets of Manhattan in larger-than-life style.
The Elf on the Shelf
Where’s Scout Elf hiding today? At the parade, of course! Heads up, Scout will make his appearance just before Santa’s arrival.
The Floats
The parade floats are always bursting with life and animation, and this year’s participants feature some of your kid’s favorite franchises.
1-2-3 Sesame Street
Fans of all ages will be partying on the float with furry friends and cast members. This year marks the float’s 42nd consecutive year in the parade.
Shimmer and Shine
Fans of the Nick Jr. show can expect to see lots of glitter, gems and jewels as their favorite Shimmer and Shine characters strut their way down the streets of NYC.
Snoopy’s Dog House
The holidays wouldn’t be the same without the classic Peanut’s float making its way through the streets of Manhattan.
Santa’s Sleigh
Kids can get a sneak peak at Santa’s toy shop, eye those gifts he’s working on and marvel at the beautiful reindeer helping to pull the sleigh.
The Performers
While the performers may not be the highlight of your tot’s day, there are a bunch of singers mom and dad will want to see.
Diana Ross
The singer, actress and record producer will take part in a performance you won’t want to miss.
Float Appearance: Heartwarming Holiday Countdown from Hallmark Channel
John Legend
With his newly-released holiday album, A Legendary Christmas, we can expect everyone’s favorite dad and husband to be singing the sounds of the season.
Float Appearance: Discover Adeventure! From Build-A-Bear
Pentatonix
The a cappella sensation will perform a must-see rendition of a catchy hit.
Float Appearance: Everyone’s Favorite Bake Shop from Entenmann’s
Sugarland
The country music duo makes a pit stop in the heart of NYC to deliver some show-stopping tunes.
Float Appearance: The Cranberry Cooperative from Ocean Spray
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