Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Goes Television-Only

NEW YORK CITY — Expect something different for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade thanks to the coronavirus.

There won't be throngs of spectators this year watching Spider-Man and SpongeBob SquarePants float past. Macy's announced instead the 94th annual event will be television-only and filmed over two days with pandemic precautions.

"Under the unique challenges of these unparalleled times, we felt it was important to continue this cherished holiday tradition that has been the opening act to the holiday season for generations of families,” said Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in a statement. “While it will certainly look different in execution, this year’s Macy’s Parade celebration will once again serve its historical purpose — to bring joy into the hearts of millions across the nation.”

Macy's previously announced they plan to "reinvent" the parade similarly to the pared-down Fourth of July fireworks shows this year.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday then dropped hints before Macy's announcement that the event will essentially be virtual.

"It will be a different kind of event," he said. "They're reinventing the event for this moment in history, and you will be able to feel the spirit and the joy of that day on television and online. Not a live parade but something that will really give us that warmth and that great feeling we have on Thanksgiving Day."

The event can be watched on NBC from 9 a.m. to noon, according to an announcement de Blasio tweeted.

Macy's, in a statement, outlined the changes this year including reducing participants by 75 percent and filming over two days. Staging for parade elements will be focused in and around the Herald Square area, and the traditional 2.5-mile route will not be used this year, according to the release.

And the iconic balloons will not be flown with the traditional 80 to 100 handlers, the release states. Instead, the parade will use specially rigged anchor vehicles to fly the balloons.

Click here for more information on the parade this year.