Macy’s announces lineup for return of full Thanksgiving Day Parade

Macy’s announced the lineup of its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade as it returns to hosting the event as normal, complete with giant balloon floats, live performances — and the addition of Baby Yoda. 

“For more than nine decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has served to bring joy to millions, who gather with friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration along the streets of New York City and in homes nationwide,” Will Coss, the parade’s executive producer, said in a news release.  

In order to produce the event safely, the department store will partner closely with city and state officials to ensure health and safety practices align with CDC guidelines and other relevant protocols, it said.

Macy’s announced in September that the full spectacle of its Thanksgiving parade would return this year. Its press release on Monday detailed the new additions and safety measures for this year’s festivities. 

Among the featured floats is a “Funko Pop! inspired Grogu,” also known as Baby Yoda from the hit series “The Mandalorian,” as well as Pikachu and Eevee from Pokemon. 

Carrie Underwood will headline the musical lineup, which also include Korean girl group aespa and Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas. 

THIS JUST IN! Here’s the star-studded lineup for this year’s 95th #MacysParade!

Check out who’s joining the party! https://t.co/20Zc7A5ox9 pic.twitter.com/IrtZKGTXcm

— Macy’s (@Macys) November 1, 2021

Macy’s held a scaled back version of its Thanksgiving Day Parade last year.

Held during the height of the pandemic, the parade forwent its typical 2.5 mile route and concentrated to the block of 34th Street. Many of the performances in 2020’s parade were taped instead of the usual live performance and the performers were local, rather than from all over the nation, as Macy’s sought to prevent out-of-state travel.