What to Expect at the Thanksgiving Day Parade

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Elizabeth DeLeo, Writer

With Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, make sure to watch this year’s 90th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade lasts three hours and consists of dozens of balloons, cheerleaders, celebrities, and marching bands. The parade begins south from 77 Street to Central Park West, and ends at Macy’s Herald Square. The annual parade is broadcast on NBC and begins at 9 a.m. EST.

The performers for this year’s parade have recently been announced. The Broadway shows performing live are Dear Evan Hansen, Anastasia, Once On This Island, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Come From Away and the cast of Waitress, with Jason Mraz, on the other hand, will be broadcasted only on CBS.

Aside from the Broadway shows that will be performed live, the Radio City Rockettes will literally kick off their Christmas show with a performance at the parade. Also performing is Camp Broadway, which is the “original” Broadway summer camp. The group will perform “This Is a Great Country” for the U.S. military families.

There will also be many celebrity appearances at the parade, with many performing on Macy’s iconic floats. The celebrities include 98 Degrees, Sabrina Carpenter, Flo Rida, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Andy Grammer, Olivia Holt, Bebe Rexha, Lauren Alaina, Tony-winner Leslie Odom Jr. with the Muppets of Sesame Street, and many more. Despite these appearances, the biggest star of the show is without a doubt Santa Claus, who will close the parade. All children, girls and boys, await his arrival to start counting down the days to Christmas.

Additionally, there are a few new balloons this year that will take flight, including the Grinch, Olaf from Frozen, Chase from Paw Patrol, and Jett from Super Wings. Though there are many new floats, some of America’s favorites will be returning as well. An example of these returning favorites are the Pillsbury Doughboy and Kermit the Frog.

When you wake up on Thanksgiving morning, snuggle up on the couch, turn on your TV, and watch the parade in preparation for your food coma!