The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has always been an annual moment where nostalgia, big balloons, and music meet on the streets of Manhattan.
But this year, the parade is adding a new layer of flavor. Hip-hop and R&B will be front and center, with Ciara, Lil Jon, and Busta Rhymes joining the star-studded lineup of performers.
As the parade kicks off on November 27 from the Upper West Side and makes its way to Macy’s Herald Square, millions of viewers will see a lineup that mirrors the impact our genres have had on American music and entertainment for decades.
While the parade always features an eclectic mix of artists, it’s rare to see this many icons of Black music represented in a single year.
In addition to the artists mentioned, performers like Teyana Taylor, Kool & the Gang, Mickey Guyton, and Shaggy will also be performing.
Beyond the music, the parade will debut new balloons that include Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario, and even an onion carriage from the world of Shrek. “KPop Demon Hunters” and viral character Labubu will also take over the skyline.
This year brings 28 floats, from Pop Mart’s collectible characters to Lego, Lindt chocolates, and even a whimsical flock of sheep courtesy of Serta. Stranger Things fans will spot a new themed float featuring members of Foreigner.
If you’re tuning in from home, the parade is in familiar hands. Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Hoda Kotb will helm the NBC broadcast starting at 8:30 a.m. EST, airing simultaneously across time zones.
