#Thanksgiving Day Parade is back after pandemic hiatus

The 95th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning to its pre-pandemic splendor Thursday after COVID-19 forced the celebration to go virtual last year. 

The famed celebration kicked off at 9 a.m. from Central Park West and 77th Street and will cover its traditional two-and-a-half mile trek south through Midtown.

Last year, the route was trimmed to a single block due to pandemic precautions, which also barred spectators from turning up to watch.

Swarms of tourists and locals lined up early Thursday to ensure they have a good spot to watch the 28 floats and 15 oversized balloons make their way through Manhattan. 

Longtime classics like Snoopy and Papa Smurf will be featured but so will some newcomers like Ada Twist, the scientist from the animated children’s Netflix series, and the beloved Baby Yoda from “The Mandalorian,” which is making its parade debut. 

New floats this year include a glittering alligator on wheels, complete with azaleas, magnolias and Mardi Gras beads that will be an homage to Louisiana and was created by the state’s tourism office. 

A flashy turquoise and green peacock float will also strut its way through Midtown for the first time to celebrate NBC’s new streaming service Peacock, as will a Disney Cruise Line boat that will celebrate the return of cruises. 

Spectators at home can tune into NBC to watch the parade live from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ​​

In addition to the NBC broadcast, for the first time, viewers can also watch the fun via livestream on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, beginning at 9 a.m. across time zones as well as on Fubo.