Thanksgiving Day Parade takes flight amid pandemic

Balloons were in the sky and the marching bands took to the streets for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but coronavirus restrictions meant it was without the throngs of people usually scrambling for a view.

Instead of its typical path through Manhattan, this year's parade was limited to the area in front of Macy's flagship store and aimed at a television audience instead of live crowds.

Assistants carry "The Boss Baby" balloon during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade closed to the spectators due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A number of entertainers performed and a slew of Broadway shows were represented in taped performances from their casts.

Singer Bebe Rexha performs on the Big Turkey Spectacular float during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

Even with the pandemic protocols, the fact that the parade took place made it a rare festivity in a city that has seen most of its major events canceled over the last year because of the virus.

A small crowd gathers at NYPD barricades during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

The cast of "Ain't Too Proud" performs during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

"The Boss Baby" balloon is seen during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

The Pikachu performance during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

People walk by vehicles blocking access to the parade route ahead of the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A balloon depicting Red Titan, a character from "Ryan's World," floats down 7th Avenue in front of the Macy's flagship store during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

Floats that are part of the modified Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade are seen from the Empire State Building in New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A float is seen ahead of the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A balloon is seen ahead of the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

Participants gather ahead of the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A balloon depicting Red Titan, a character from "Ryan's World," is seen during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A small crowd gathers at NYPD barricades during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

Singer Brett Young performs on the Harvest in the Valley Float during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A man wearing a "Covidisor" walks by barricades of the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A balloon depicting Red Titan, a character from "Ryan's World," is seen ahead of the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

Singer Ally Brooke performs on the Blue's Clues & You! float during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.

A police officer looks on during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in Manhattan, New York, Nov. 26, 2020.