Macy’s has announced the 2024 lineup for its annual Thanksgiving Day parade with performers and balloons honoring every generation

It takes 18 months, over 5,000 volunteers, 22 floats, 17 giant balloons, 700+ clowns, and thousands of hours to bring Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade magic to 2.5 miles of fans.

Some of the world's most popular animated characters have taken to the skies as Macy's prepares for their annual Thanksgiving Day parade. (AP Video: Ted Shaffrey)

The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to captivate audiences with six new featured character balloons making their debut.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved holiday tradition with a history as rich and colorful as the balloons floating down the streets of New York City. Launched nearly a century ago, this parade has transformed from a modest department store event into an iconic spectacle watched by millions.

One of the most exciting things you can view actually happens before parade day. Those beloved, signature balloons will be prepared for flight on Wednesday, Nov. 27, from noon to 6 p.m., on the Upper West Side, outside the Museum of Natural History, between West 77th and West 81st streets.

The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has added a number of major new acts to this year’s event. On Thursday (Nov. 14), organizers announced that Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Hudson and Billy Porter will perform in front of Macy’s iconic Herald Square flagship store on Nov.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a century-old tradition, takes place on Thursday, November 28 at 8:30 a.m. and promises to be the biggest yet.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade has existed for nearly a century, shifting from radio to television broadcasts. The parade is still televised nationally on NBC channels, rain or shine. On November 28, the showcase runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon EST. If you subscribe to a live TV streaming service, simply visit the NBC channel to watch the parade.