If you celebrate Thanksgiving, chances are you have heard of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; a bunch of big balloons float down the streets of New York City, which are lined with millions of people bundled up in hats and gloves, trying to get a glimpse of the action. If you are a part of the lucky few that get to attend the parade, like Kacey Patterson (‘21), you will most likely agree with Patterson that “being able to see everything in person was so cool.”

While it may be cool to watch the parade in person, some people would rather watch it at home on their television instead of bracing the cold to get a glimpse.

“I enjoy watching it every year because it’s a tradition in my house,” said Megan Anzalone (‘19).

“It’s [now] an annual tradition that I watch it at my house on Thanksgiving,” said Patterson.

The tradition of having a caravan of Christmas spirit parading down the streets of New York City began in 1924, when it was known as the “Macy’s Christmas Day Parade.” The original parade had live animals such as camels, goats, donkeys, and elephants, with horses pulling the floats. Three years later, it was renamed to what it is known by today: the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

The annual parade is filled with balloons and parade floats, some of the most iconic being Felix the Cat, Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog, and Elf on a Shelf. The parade ends with Santa Claus waving to the crowd.

Along with balloons, live performances are woven into the parade. Their performances include singers, marching bands, and dancers. The most notable past performances include those of Gwen Stefani, Julie Andrews, Flo Rida, and Panic! at the Disco.

This year’s lineup of performers for the parade features celebrities such as Ashley Tisdale, Carly Pearce, Diana Ross and Family, Jack and Jack, John Legend, Pentatonix, Rita Ora, and Sugarland.

“I’m excited to watch it because I saw Jack and Jack [live] this summer and they were pretty good,” said Alex Childs (‘19), who usually doesn’t watch the parade but has made an exception and is planning on watching it this year.

Balloons that will make an appearance at the festive block party include Charlie Brown, the Grinch, Pikachu, the Pillsbury Doughboy, and Ronald McDonald.

If you are planning to attend, Patterson recommends a few things.

“[Make] sure you get up very early to get a good spot and make sure you are wearing really comfortable clothes,” she said. “[My family and I] all got foot warmers and hand warmers.”

If you would rather stay indoors and watch the parade from the comfort of your own home, the 92nd annual parade will take place at 9 a.m. on Nov. 22 on NBC.