The famed celebration kicked off at 9 a.m. from Central Park West and 77th Street to cheers of eager spectators as it embarked on its traditional two-and-a-half mile trek south through Midtown, signaling the official start to the holiday season.

“New York hasn’t lost its magic! Goodbye COVID, and hello baby Yoda!”

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

While kids under 12 weren’t allowed to march in the parade this year, the spectacle was allowed to go on with few pandemic restrictions aside from a recommendation that parade goers mask up and a requirement that all participants be vaccinated.

The holiday festival brought swarms of tourists and locals who lined up early Thursday to ensure they had a good spot to watch the 28 floats and 15 oversized balloons make their way through Manhattan.

Longtime classics like Snoopy, Spongebob and Papa Smurf were back once again but newcomers like Ada Twist, the scientist from the animated children’s Netflix series, and the beloved Baby Yoda from “The Mandalorian,” made their parade debuts.

“For more than nine decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has served to bring joy to millions, who gather with friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration along the streets of New York City and in homes nationwide,” Will Coss, the parade’s executive producer, said in a statement.

“For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created a spectacle to remember featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats and incredible performers. We can’t wait to help New York City and the nation kick-off the holiday season with the return of this cherished tradition.”

We have covered the Macy’s thanksgiving parade for many years, and Balloon Inflation at Central park, a day before the thanks giving day parade in our World Liberty TV, Cultural Channels. See More parades in our World Liberty TV, Cultural Channels and Blogs by clicking here.