Stars, Balloons, and Santa Take Over the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Updated on 11/27/2014 at 1:49 PM

Millions of people braved the NYC chill to catch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday. True to tradition, this year's festivities were larger than life. With stars like Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor, and Lucy Hale performing among elaborate Spider-Man, Pillsbury Doughboy, and Smurfs balloons, the parade was an extravaganza not to be missed. Heck, even Santa Claus himself was there! Keep reading to see the excitement, and then be sure to count your pop culture blessings with 11 celebrity moments we're thankful for this year.

Brothers Joel and Benji Madden performed in black.

Gene Simmons upped the excitement with his Kiss antics.

Ronald McDonald took a ride in an oversize vehicle.

Meghan Trainor brought her cheerful spirit.

Lucy Hale was covered up for her appearance.

Becky G hitched a ride on Nickelodeon's Dora and Friends: Into The City float.

The Power Ranger balloon was a sight to be seen.

The Rockettes kicked the celebration up a notch.

Nick Jonas scoped out the crowd.

Santa Claus flew in all the way from the north pole.

Becky G joined the parade.

Toothless from How to Train your Dragon stole the spotlight.

Paddington Bear was on the move.

MKTO rode the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles float.

A Thomas the Tank Engine balloon took up much of a city block.

Sabrina Carpenter waved to the throngs of parade-goers.

The Spider-Man balloon was a main attraction.

Sandra Lee was in the front of a float.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid balloon was spot-on.

This version of the Pillsbury Doughboy was much more innocent than the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters.

Papa Smurf hovered above the crowd.

The parade wouldn't be complete without a Pokémon balloon.

SpongeBob SquarePants had a big grin.