THE 89TH ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE USHERS IN THE SEASON WITH THE NATION’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY EVENT, NOV. 26 ON NBC
NEW YORK – Nov. 2, 2015 – America’s favorite holiday tradition will once again kick off the holdiay season with the 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to march down the streets of New York on Thursday, Nov. 26 (9 a.m.-noon in all time zones.) Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker of NBC’s “Today” will anchor the broadcast.
More than 8,000 participants – including clowns, balloon handlers and marching bands – will travel through Manhattan to the sound of the iconic catchphrase “Let’s Have a Parade”. With more than 3.5 million spectators and over 50 million television viewers nationwide, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the nation’s most celebrated and anticipated holiday treat.
Joining the festivities this year are Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Mariah Carey, Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson, Cirque du Soleil, Daughtry, Andra Day, Andy Grammer, Sandra Lee, Shawn Mendes, MercyMe, MIPSO, Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell, Jennifer Nettles, NHL legends Mark and Marty Howe, Jake Owen, Panic! at the Disco, Plain White T’s, Rachel Platten, Questlove with the cast & the Muppets of “Sesame Street”, Prince Royce, the cast of Broadway’s “School of Rock,” Trey Songz, Jordin Sparks, Chica and the gang from Sprout and Train.
Joining the parade as a signature element kicking off the holiday season will be the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. The national broadcast would not be complete without showcasing the best theatrical productions. Set for a 34th Street performance will be “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Finding Neverland,” “The King & I,” “On Your Feet!” and “Something Rotten.” In addition, spectators will get a sneak preview performance from NBC’s “The Wiz Live!” which premieres Thursday, Dec. 3 (8 p.m. ET/PT).
“We’re thrilled to continue the time-honored tradition of broadcasting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs and Late Night, NBC Entertainment. “This year’s event promises to once again kick off the holiday season for families across the country with an incredible spectacle from the streets of New York.”
Since its origin in 1924, the Macy’s Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season, introducing a cherished march of magic that has dazzled generations of fans. For the 89th edition, the famed spectacle’s line-up will feature 17 giant character balloons; 24 novelty/ornament balloons, balloonicles, and trycaloons; 27 floats; 1,100 cheerleaders and dancers; more than 1,000 clowns; 12 marching bands; a host of celebrity performers; and of course, the one-and-only Santa Claus.
“The 89th edition of Macy’s famed holiday procession promises to deliver an unrivaled spectacle of magic for millions of spectators lining the streets of New York City and millions more watching it unfold in homes across the nation,” said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “From our signature giant character balloons to our floats of wonder, not to mention the nation’s best marching bands, whimsical clowns, celebrities and the big man himself – Santa Claus; the 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will continue to delight audiences of all ages, as together we celebrate the start of the holiday season.”