For almost a century, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a tradition in households across America. The institution returns next Thursday (Thanksgiving Day, of course) with TODAY's Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker back as the hosts for the annual event. To get the most out of the parade, you can tune in the night before to the "Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” special airing on NBC Wednesday evening at 8 pm ET/PT on both NBC and Peacock. The special will feature a behind-the-scenes look at the festivities and will be hosted by Wendi McLendon-Covey from the parade’s starting line on 77th Street and Central Park West in New York City. The parade itself will air on NBC and Peacock Thursday morning starting at 8:30am in all time zones, followed by an encore presentation at 2 pm ET/PT.
- What you can expect to see: The parade will include 17 featured character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, 10 performance groups and musical artists.
- Who's performing: Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Loud Luxury, T-Pain, Ariana Madix, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Dan + Shay, Bishop Briggs, Kylie Cantrall, The Temptations, Charli D’Amelio and more.
- Will there be new balloons?: Absolutely! Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from "Gabby's Dollhouse," Goku from "Dragon Ball," and Marshall from "Paw Patrol" all make their Thanksgiving Day Parade debut, and after a hiatus, Spider-Man will be making a triumphant return to soar over the streets of New York City once again.