Trot, don’t walk.
New Yorkers and eager tourists packed New York City sidewalks early Thursday morning with sunny skies for the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The time-honored Thanksgiving tradition kicked off on 77th and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. to the boisterous cheers of bundled-up spectators waiting to catch a glimpse of classic balloons like Snoopy and Pikachu — as well as six new floats, including a Wonka-inspired chocolate float.
Jessica Keener, 42, who grew up coming to the parade but now lives in Idaho, wanted her 4-year-old daughter to experience the festivities.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I would be here at 6 a.m. with my dad, my mom and my sisters,” she told The Post. “We got here at 5 a.m. to get a front-row seat.”
Her daughter, Bella, was bouncing with excitement to see the balloons — especially PAW Patrol.
“I got up at 4 a.m. I woke up by myself. I was tired this morning but I could not wait to be here,” the 4-year-old said smiling.
Children and adults alike cheered “Smokey, Smokey, Smokey,” as the famous bear balloon floated past. Others, bundled up in hats, scarfs and gloves, sipped on hot chocolates and coffees.
Fellow parade-goer Tommy Onolfo, 41, from Long Island, dressed up in a full Turkey suit for the parade, which he has attended for the past 10 years.
“This is my tenth year coming in a row. I love the balloons, the excitement, the hype. There’s no other Thanksgiving celebration like this,” Onolfo told The Post.
“I go to the ball drop every year and I collect the confetti and throw it back at the performers here every year.”
This year’s parade, which typically draws in some 3.5 million spectators to Manhattan, will feature 16 giant character balloons, 26 floats, 32 novelty and heritage inflatables, 12 marching bands, 700 clowns, and eight performance groups.
New parade balloons include “Beagle Scout Snoopy,” “Blue Cat & Chugs,” “Kung Fu Panda’s Po,” “Leo,” “Monkey D. Luffy,” “Pillsbury Doughboy” and “Uncle Dan.”
Sidewalks from 77th Street and Central Park West all the way down two and a half miles south to Macy’s at 34th Street-Herald Square were starting to fill up by 7:30 a.m. Thursday.
For those taking in the parade from the comfort of their home, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC and be live-streamed on Peacock.
It will also be available as a Spanish-language broadcast hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza on Telemundo.
