The best way to start your Turkey Day has arrived for the 98th edition.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns Thursday, November 28 and will once again feature iconic balloons, memorable floats and an array of performances from some of the biggest names in music. TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker are also back to host the annual event, which is expected to bring lots of joy and fun times.

To get you into the Thanksgiving spirit, the special “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” aired the night before Thanksgiving on November 27, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the festivities.

Wendi McLendon-Covey, known for her roles in “Bridesmaids,” “The Goldbergs” and the new NBC comedy series “St. Denis Medical,” will host the special from the parade starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West in New York City.

The show provides a glimpse into how the floats and costumes are made, as well as a preview of a rehearsal by the legendary Rockettes. Stars from the Broadway show “The Outsiders,” which will perform during the parade, will also appear in the preview special, and a new balloon will be unveiled making its debut during the parade.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, 10 performance groups and musical artists.

How to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on NBC and Peacock on November 28 from 8:30am to 12pm in all time zones, followed by an encore presentation at 2pm ET/PT.

Al, Savannah and Hoda bring you all the action, and the simulcast on Telemundo is hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.

What time does Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. ET at 77th Street and Central Park West.

Who will perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

This year’s star-studded lineup includes Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Loud Luxury, T-Pain, Ariana Madix, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Dan + Shay, Bishop Briggs, Kylie Cantrall, The Temptations, Charli D’Amelio and more.

Actor Alison Brie will cut the ribbon to kick off this year’s parade festivities.

“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will appear alongside Jonathan Bennett, Liza Colón-Zayas, Tom Kenny and Ginna Claire Mason. Members of reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty and Ellie the Elephant will also be part of the festivities.

As always, there will be plenty of Broadway flair. This year there will be performances of the musicals ‘Death Becomes Her’, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and ‘The Outsiders’, as well as the annual performance of the Radio City Rockettes.

What are the new floats in 2024?

Macy’s gave TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer an exclusive first look at some of the six new floats at the Macy’s parade studio in Moonachie, New Jersey on November 19. She was joined by Brendan Kennedy, Macy’s director of creative production.

She got an up-close look at Rao’s Homemade’s Pasta Knight float featuring a fire-breathing dragon, and an exotic Wonder World of Wildlife float from The Bronx Zoo, decorated with life-size replicas of giraffes, tigers, a gorilla and more.

The sweetest float is the Candy Cosmos from gummy bear supplier Haribo, which features a giant replica of the golden bear mascot, along with two snakes, frogs, gummy worms and a rocket.

The three other new floats this year are Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest from Nickelodeon & Paramount, Magic Meets the Seas from Disney Cruise Line and Masterfeast by Netflix.

What else is new in the 2024 parade?

This year, six new balloons will join iconic favorites like Snoopy and Pikachu.

Minnie Mouse, Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse”, Goku from “Dragon Ball” and Marshall from “Paw Patrol” will all hit the streets of Manhattan. Spider-Man also returns after a hiatus.