Crowds pack Manhattan for Macy’s parade

Crowds filled Manhattan as the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade moved from Central Park West toward Herald Square, showcasing towering character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands and live performances. Beloved figures such as Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and Spider-Man floated above the route alongside newer additions like “Gaby’s Dollhouse,” prompting cheers from bundled spectators who lined the sidewalks and leaned against barricades to catch a glimpse.

Eleven marching bands representing high schools, universities and special ensembles from across the United States marched in formation, delivering drum cadences, brass fanfares and choreographed routines that punctuated the procession between floats. Floats carried Broadway performers, musicians and celebrity guests who waved to the crowds from themed sets depicting winter scenes, pop-culture tributes and oversized holiday motifs. Dance troupes, clowns and specialty acts performed along the route, maintaining a festival atmosphere throughout the morning.

A musical highlight came when EJAE, Audrey Huna and Rei Ami, the singing voices from the film KPOP Demon Hunters, performed “Golden,” drawing enthusiastic responses from onlookers. Organizers said the parade continued its long tradition of blending nostalgia with contemporary designs, featuring both classic cartoon favorites and characters from newer shows and films to appeal to multiple generations.

Weather conditions proved manageable despite early gusts that required close monitoring by balloon teams. Parade officials tracked wind speeds and adjusted handling as needed, ultimately permitting major balloons to fly at full or near-full height, which many spectators praised for the balloons’ impressive visibility against the city skyline. Handlers steered the massive inflatables carefully between buildings and street fixtures, guiding them along the route amid the cheering crowd.

Security measures were heightened along the parade corridor, with police visible at checkpoints, on rooftops and at street corners to oversee crowd control and public safety. Organizers reported no significant incidents and said attendees moved smoothly through screening areas following public-safety advisories issued earlier in the week. Families, visitors and tourists said they appreciated the orderly flow and the festive mood despite the thorough security presence.