Macy's Thanksgiving Parade: Baby Yoda and Snoopy delight crowds

Reuters Baby Yoda balloon flies during the 95th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in ManhattanReuters

A cast of colourful characters returned to the New York skies on Thursday, delighting thousands who packed the streets for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Baby Yoda, Snoopy and Papa Smurf were among the balloons spotted flying over the packed streets of Manhattan, while at ground level, marching bands, performers and - of course - a turkey kept the crowds entertained.

It was quite the change from last year, when the public were banned from attending the 95-year-old event in person due to fears over Covid.

Reuters Astronaut Snoopy flies during the paradeReuters

The Snoopy balloon, a regular fixture since 1968, returned to the parade.

The current version - an astronaut - is some 49 feet (14m) high and has roughly 90 handlers.

Getty Images Baby Yoda balloonGetty Images

Baby Yoda, who delighted fans in the Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian, was a new balloon for 2021. But he was not the only first-timer: Pokémon characters Pikachu and Eevee also made their debut as a pair.

Getty Images Pikachu and Eevee balloon during the 95th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25, 2021 in New York CityGetty Images

The parade route covered 2.5 miles (4km) through Manhattan, with more than 8,000 marchers taking part.

Reuters People watch the parade from a windowReuters

They were joined by cast members from a number of Broadway shows including Wicked, Six and Waitress. Festive favourites The Rockettes were also in attendance.

Reuters A marching band takes part in the paradeReuters

This year, performers had to be vaccinated and also wear a mask - although there were some exemptions on face coverings for some of those singing and performing.

Reuters The Tom Turkey float is seen during the 95th Macy"s Thanksgiving Day ParadeReuters

"This year, the parade's back at full strength," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said prior to the event.

"It's going to be a great sign of our rebirth."

A brief history of Thanksgiving