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NBC Set to Start Holiday Season With 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York, NY

The holiday season officially begins Nov. 24 on NBC with the 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Tune in from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones.

This November, America’s favorite holiday tradition will mark a milestone anniversary, once again kicking off the holidays with its signature brand of magical entertainment. On Thursday, Nov. 24, (9 a.m.-noon in all time zones), the 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will march down the streets of New York as millions celebrate with family and friends. Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker of NBC’s "Today" will host the broadcast. In addition, Telemundo will simulcast the parade in Spanish with the event hosted by stars Jessica Carrillo and Carlos Ponce.

The unparalleled spectacle is set to enthrall more than 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of Manhattan and more than 50 million viewers on television, with a host of giant character balloons, dazzling floats, the nation’s best marching bands and performance groups, celebrities, and the official entrance of the one-and-only Santa Claus.

The 90th procession will feature a star-studded cast who will celebrate the holiday with America, giving fans along the route a thrilling moment with their favorite performers along with providing the nation with first-class performances. Joining the festivities this year are Kelsea Ballerini, Tony Bennett, Aloe Blacc, Chloe x Halle, Easton Corbin, Daya, De La Soul, Diamante Eléctrico, Brett Eldredge, Fitz & the Tantrums, Christopher Jackson, Johnnyswim, Sandra Lee, Maddie & Tae, Sarah McLachlan, NHL legends Adam Graves and Eric Lindros, Ben Rector, Regina Spektor, the cast and Muppets of "Sesame Street," Sprout’s Chica, Timeflies, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists Michelle Carter, Laurie Hernandez and Claressa Shields, U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalists Mikey Brannigan and Gianfranco Iannotta, Grace VanderWaal and Jacob Whitesides, among others.

As the Parade gears up to takes its 90th march down the streets of Manhattan, very special guests will take to the streets like they’ve taken the world by storm for decades. The iconic Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and the rest of the Muppets will dazzle and delight millions of fans as they kick-off the celebration as only they can, with their signature musical and comedic revelry. Joining executive producer Amy Kule at the head of the Parade as she cuts the ribbon opening the march, will be U.S. Paralympic stars Tatyana and Hannah McFadden.

Joining the Parade as a signature element kicking off the holiday season will be the world-famous Radio City Rockettes®. The national broadcast would not be complete without showcasing the best theatrical productions. Set for 34th Street performances will be "Cats," "Holiday Inn, The New Irving Berlin Musical" and more of Broadway’s best. In addition, viewers will get a sneak preview performance from NBC’s "Hairspray Live!," which premieres Wednesday, Dec. 7 (8 p.m. ET/PT).

"We’re thrilled to once again broadcast the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as it celebrates 90 incredible years of providing an unmatched spectacle for families across the nation," said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs and Late Night, NBC Entertainment. "The 90th procession marks an extraordinary milestone in the history of the parade and New York City, and we can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season."

Since its origin in 1924, the Macy’s Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season, introducing a cherished march of magic that has dazzled generations of fans. For the 90th edition, the famed spectacle’s line-up will feature 16 giant character balloons; 27 novelty/ornament balloons, balloonicles and trycaloons; 26 floats; 1,100 cheerleaders and dancers; more than 1,000 clowns; and 16 marching bands and performance groups.

"This year, as we celebrate 90 years of magical moments, we are truly humbled by the unique role the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade fills in the lives of millions worldwide, and we are thrilled to celebrate this special milestone with a spectacular line-up filled with amazing new and commemorative elements that will continue our storied legacy of unparalleled holiday entertainment," said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.