There were floats, giant balloons, music and hopes of Al Roker potentially feuding with people dressed as condiments!
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returned for its 97th edition this year and featured iconic balloons, four new floats, and the return of Al after he missed last year's parade.
Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie also returned, bringing fans the sights and sounds of the celebration from the streets of New York City. As always, there were performances by some of music’s biggest names, including the legendary Cher.
This year's parade featured 5,000 volunteers, 16 character balloons, 26 floats, 32 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 12 marching bands, and nine performance groups.
TODAY.com brought all those magical holiday moments and other surprises as they happened live.
In cast you missed it, read on to see all the fun action of this year's parade.
It’s a wrap! See Hoda and Al’s fun behind-the-scenes parade moments
Santa has made an appearance on his sleigh, bringing a close to the 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
After the festivities, Hoda and Al took to Instagram to share some fun looks at how they navigated their way to the parade route, including Hoda hustling "30-something" blocks to 77th Street to climb aboard the iconic Tom Turkey float.
Al's trip to Herald Square was a little more leisurely.
Hoda eventually got a ride!
Sheryl Lee Ralph channels Mrs. Claus in the final moments of the parade
"Abbott Elementary" star Sheryl Lee Ralph brought the parade to a crescendo in the final moments by appearing alongside Santa Claus as Mrs. Claus to officially ring in the holiday season.
The Emmy winner waved and blew kisses to the crowd in her green Mrs. Claus outfit as artificial snow fell around her.
"She brings such wit and grace to every single thing she does," Hoda said. "She is making this moment incredible. We love Macy's Mrs. Claus. She's exuding the kind of joy we need right now."
Cher rocks the crowd with "DJ Play a Christmas Song" from her first Christmas album
The iconic Cher turned 34th Street and the parade into a dance party with a stunning performance of her song "DJ Play a Christmas Song."
She came out in a stylish white sequined trench coat with a white shirt underneath, black tie and sequined black pants as the crowd danced to the track from her recently released Christmas album, the first of her legendary career.
"DJ play a Christmas song, I want to be dancing all night long," she sang as the crowd cheered.
Brandy, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots bring the holiday spirit with performances
Brandy got everyone in a cozy Christmas vibe with a performance of "Someday At Christmas" with a gospel choir singing backup. The singer was spotted on one of this year's new floats from candymaker Brach's.
"Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon and The Roots then turned up the volume as Jimmy did his best Joey Ramone impression with a punk-rock-style performance of "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)."
Beyoncé shares Thanksgiving message and the first look at new ‘Renaissance’ trailer
Beyoncé made a special appearance during the parade with a taped message and a look at the newest trailer for her upcoming "Renaissance" tour film.
"Hey it's Beyoncé, wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving," she said. "I'm so honored to share with you the first look at the new 'Renaissance' film trailer."
The clip shows some candid footage of the superstar with her children, her time away from the stage and moments from her sold-out "Renaissance" tour.
The parade is almost over, but Savannah, Hoda and Al are still going strong
Name a more iconic trio than Hoda, Savannah and Al. We'll wait. The parade has been going for nearly three hours, but they are still bringing the energy!
Kenan and Kel say hi to Al from the 'Good Burger' mobile
Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell shouted out Al Roker as they rode by in the "Good Burger" mobile down the parade route.
Al has a cameo in the upcoming "Good Burger 2," the sequel to the 1997 hit starring Kenan and Kel.
"My boys! You're looking good!" Al yelled as they rolled by. "We're all dudes, you're a dude! Those are my boys!"
Goku, SpongeBob and more dazzling balloons from the parade
From old favorites to some impressive newcomers, it's another year of amazing balloons at the parade. We've had Goku from Dragonball Z, SpongeBob, Bluey, and more. Check them out here.
En Vogue, Bell Biv Devoe and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles bring back ‘90s nostalgia
The parade took everyone back to the '90s for a stretch, starting with a stunning performance by En Vogue. The R&B group sang their 1992 hit "Free Your Mind."
They were followed by another legendary R&B trio, Bell Biv DeVoe, who rocked the crowd with their 1990 classic "Poison" while aboard a float featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Does it get any more '90s than that? We are here for it!
Did you catch Hoda’s special signal to her daughters?
Hoda said she was going to send a sweet little message to daughters Haley, 6, and Hope, 4, at home, and if you blinked you might have missed it.
While sitting next to Savannah, she quickly swiped her teeth like she was wiping off lipstick. That was the sign that Jenna Bush Hager triple dog dared her to do on TODAY, and she was true to her word that she would pull it off.
Well done, Hoda!