Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Here are the new floats and balloons

It’s one of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions: watching the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The parade has been happening since 1924, and this year is the 98th edition. It’ll occur Thursday, Nov. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to noon EST.

While tens of thousands line up to see the parade in person or watch the balloons get blown up on the Upper West Side the day before, you don’t need to go outside to see some of the new balloons and floats.

TPG got a special preview.

This year’s parade features more than 5,000 volunteers, 34 floats, 22 giant character balloons, seven of what Macy’s calls “balloonicles,” 11 marching bands and 28 clown crews. That’s not to mention the musical stars, Broadway performances and, of course, Santa Claus, which will all flow from Central Park West to Macy’s home base at West 34th Street and Sixth Avenue.

Here’s what you can expect to see next week.

New Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats and balloons

Gabby — the star of the hugely popular “Gabby’s Dollhouse” series from DreamWorks Animation — will make her parade debut this year. The Gabby balloon is painted with more than 25 colors, and a new movie starring Gabby and her famous cat Pandy Paws will be coming in 2025.

Related: Holiday airfare is rising: What to know if you haven’t booked yet

There are several other new balloons and floats for 2024, including Spider-Man; Marshall from “Paw Patrol;” a newly designed Goku, the legendary hero of the “Dragon Ball” franchise; and Santa’s magical arctic fox Extraordinary Noorah, joined by The Elf on the Shelf.

Here are a few more.

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Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest by Nickelodeon

Dora the Explorer is back for the first time in 15 years. “Exciting discoveries await Dora & her best friend Boots” as she returns to the parade, Macy’s said. “Accompanied by her reliable map & back pack, Dora is prepared to navigate the tropical terrain & New York City streets while keeping her eyes & ears peeled for Swiper the mischievous fox.”

Pasta Knight by Rao’s Homemade

This year, a cool dragon represents the famous New York restaurant Rao’s and its Rao’s Homemade brand of pastas and sauces.

The Rao’s Homemade Pasta Knight is here to slay a hunger dragon, with a backdrop designed to resemble a village in Southern Italy. Macy’s said it was inspired by the origin of Rao’s Homemade authentic Italian marinara sauce. Look closely, and you’ll see the knight is made from pasta shapes like orecchiette, fusilli and rigatoni, among others.

Wondrous World of Wildlife by the Bronx Zoo

My favorite float was the Wondrous World of Wildlife entry from the Bronx Zoo right here in New York City. This famous park has been amazing visitors for the past 125 years. “From Amur tigers to western lowland gorillas to giraffes, these are just some of the extraordinary creatures you can encounter on your next visit to the Bronx Zoo,” according to Macy’s.

Each animal on the float was designed to be the same size as its real-life counterpart. During the actual parade, Idina Menzel will perform on the float.

Magic Meets the Seas by Disney Cruise Line

The Magic Meets the Seas float from Disney Cruise Line features unique design details from eight of the Disney Cruise Line ships. Take a look at the fun character art adorning the bows.

Strikes Again by Go Bowling

This fully kinetic “balloonicle,” powered by an electric battery, features the Go Bowling Bowler, who resembles an animatronic character straight out of a theme park. This is a fun new addition to the lineup.

Related: Your guide to the can’t-miss holiday happenings in New York City

Wednesday’s Feast by Netflix

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. They’re altogether ooky. They’re the Addams family, and they will be represented by Wednesday and Pugsley Addams in the parade thanks to a cool float sponsored by Netflix. The Macy’s Studios team said it spent over 100 hours meticulously sculpting the faces of the “Addams Family” characters for the parade.

Minnie Mouse

For the first time in parade history, Disney’s Minnie Mouse will be strolling the streets of New York City in her iconic polka-dot bow and signature yellow pumps. Minnie is five stories tall — that’s 60 feet tall and 60 feet long.

Candy Cosmos by Haribo

Haribo makes delicious gummies, and they make cute parade floats and balloons, too. The company has more than 25 gummies products on the market. Can you name all the types shown on its float?

Bottom line

Hopefully, our preview of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade made you want to attend in real life at some point. We have a complete guide to everything you need to know to plan a trip and see the balloons in person.

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