The 92nd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday and watching the parade is a tradition for many who celebrate the holiday.
The parade, which began in 1924, extends 2.5 miles in New York City every year. The spectacle began when Macy's employees organized the first event, which included "floats, bands, animals from the zoo and 10,000 onlookers," according to a Macy's history page. The tradition is now looked at as a Thanksgiving day parade, according to Macy's.
Macy's estimates that there will be more than 3.5 million parade spectators watching in New York City and more than 50 million viewers watching from home. This is one of the country's most watched televised events, according to a Macy's press release.
"This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will redefine spectacle with a jaw-dropping mix of must-see entertainment for millions of spectators," said Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in a press release. "Featuring an amazing line-up of high flying balloons, dazzling animated floats, world-class marching bands and performance groups, the nation's top music artists, and of course, the one-and-only Santa Claus, the Macy's Parade will once again herald the arrival of the holiday season."
One of the best ways to watch the once-a-year-spectacle is to watch NBC's broadcast, which will begin at 9 a.m. ET and end at 12 p.m., according to TV Guide. This year, the parade will be hosted by Today Show hosts Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie. The show can also be viewed through the NBC app or online at nbc.com/live with your local TV provider.
CBS will also broadcast the parade with Entertainment Tonight host Kevin Frazier and co-anchor Keltie Knight, according to a press release. The CBS broadcast will also include special guests from CBS television shows, including Erich Bergen from Madam Secretary, Joe Regalbuto from Murphy Brown and Sela Ward from FBI.
In addition to the TV broadcasts, the parade will also be live-streamed through a partnership with Verizon 360 and YouTube. Parade observers will be able to enjoy the 360-degree view on mobile devices and will be hosted by Keith Habersberger of The Try Guys and Zuri Hall from E!, according to TV Guide.
The three-hour spectacle will feature 16 giant character balloons; 43 novelty balloons, heritage balloons, balloonicles, balloonheads and trycaloons; 26 floats; 1,200 cheerleaders and dancers; more than 1,000 clowns; and 12 marching bands.
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