Gatherers lined the streets and viewers watched from home as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushered in the holiday season from New York City.
Beloved balloon characters like Snoopy made their way from the Upper West Side all the way down to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street. Eleven different marching bands played along.
This year’s Snoopy was a Beagle Scout Snoopy, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the first appearance of the Beagle Scouts.
Jeenah Moon / AP
A total of 25 balloons were flying high, including veterans Spongebob and Paw Patrol, and newcomers like Kung Fu Panda’s Po. Additionally, six "balloonicles" on wheels, and 31 floats hit the streets.
The legendary Cher, who just released her first Christmas album, headlined the event. She took the stage just before the arrival of Santa Claus, which closed out the event.
A total of 18 celebrities and musical guests took part in the festivities, including Jessie James Decker, Jon Batiste, Pentatonix, Miss America Grace Stanke and Brandy.
This marked the 97th running of the parade, which began in 1924.
