NEW YORK — Late night will come to daytime when Jimmy Fallon and the Roots take the stage at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
They’ll appear alongside a motley mix of music stars, giant balloons, floats and marching bands on Nov. 28.
The Emmy- and Grammy-winning “Tonight Show” host released his new album, “Holiday Seasoning,” on Friday — the same day Macy’s unveiled its plans for the Thanksgiving Parade’s 98th year.
Actress Alison Brie, known for roles in “Mad Men” and “Community,” will cut the ribbon to kick off this year’s festivities, which will air live from 8:30 a.m. until noon ET/PT.
Hosted again by “Today” show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, the event will feature nonstop performances from music stars from various musical genres.
Motown greats the Temptations, Tony-winner Idina Menzel, hip-hop artist T-Pain, country music’s Dan + Shay and R&B vocalist Coco Jones are among this year’s performers. The lineup also features Joey McIntyre, the War and Treaty, Chlöe, Walker Hayes, Lea Salonga and reality star-turned-Broadway sensation Ariana Madix, among others.
Casts from Broadway’s “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Outsiders” are also booked for the event, which will include the Radio City Rockettes as usual. WNBA champions from the New York Liberty will walk in the parade as well, accompanied by mascot Ellie the Elephant.
“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season for millions of live spectators and viewers across the country,” executive producer Will Coss said with Friday’s announcement. “A dedicated team of artisans and production experts at Macy’s Studios work year-round to bring this experience to life. This year’s 98th Macy’s Parade will create awe with unforgettable character balloons, one-of-a-kind floats and the world-class entertainment only Macy’s can deliver.”
This year’s parade will include 5,000 volunteers, 22 floats, 17 featured character balloons, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, 11 marching bands and 10 performance groups.
Spider-Man, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf and Minnie Mouse are among the six new character balloons making their debuts this year.
In recent years, Macy’s has sought to have superstars perform near the end of the parade to signal Santa’s entrance. Cher had the honor last year and the “Queen of Christmas” Mariah Carey headlined the year before that.
Last year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade drew the most viewers in the history of the event with 28.5 million viewers across NBC, Peacock and the encore telecast.
