Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said New York City was ready for Thursday’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Officials said there are no known specific or credible threats to the event, but security will be tight.
“The NYPD will be there to keep everyone safe,” Tisch said of the 99th annual parade, which is expected to draw millions of spectators to Manhattan.
She continued, “Before, during and after the parade, there will be security measures that you will see, and others, as the mayor mentioned, that you will not see.”
Thousands of uniformed officers will be stationed along the two-and-a-half-mile route, alongside blocker vehicles and metal barricades. Behind the scenes, drones and helicopters will provide aerial surveillance, and intelligence teams will monitor social media for threats, officials said.
The parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at 72nd Street and Central Park West, heading south through Columbus Circle, east along Central Park South and down Sixth Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square. It’s expected to end by noon. For full street closures, visit the city’s website.
This year’s festivities will feature 28 musical acts, including Ciara and Cynthia Erivo, 11 marching bands, 33 clown crews and 34 giant balloons. Classic characters like Snoopy will fly again, along with newcomers like the Derpy Tiger from KPOP DEMON HUNTERS.
Adams called the event the official start of the holiday season and a boost for the city’s economy. He encouraged attendees to use public transit and stay alert.
For those watching from home, the parade will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock.
