Macy's and New York City today announced the return of the annual march, bringing its iconic floats to the streets of Manhattan for the 95th time on Nov. 25.

The return comes after last year's parade was replaced with musical performances and a one-block march with floats and giant balloons to Macy's Herald Square due to coronavirus concerns.

"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York City institution for more than nine decades, growing to become an icon of American pop culture as it annually marks the official start of the holiday season," says Will Coss, executive producer of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "For our 95th celebration, we are delighted to return this cherished holiday tradition closer to its original form as we march down the streets of New York City and into the homes of a nationwide audience."

This year's production plan was created through a partnership with the city and the state of New York to ensure that it would ensure health and safety practices are aligned with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, as well as local and state government protocols.

"We are thrilled to welcome back in its full form the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a world-renowned celebration that ushers in the magic of being in New York City during the holiday season," says New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We applaud Macy's work to creatively continue this beloved tradition last year and look forward to welcoming back Parade watchers to experience it safely, live and in person this November."

The city will manage public viewing locations and safety procedures along designated portions of the route, with access details to be announced at a later time.

Volunteer participants and staff will be vaccinated, and vaccine verification will be conducted at all back-of-house entry points. In rare exceptions, a Macy's medical consultant will administer COVID-19 testing and clear the individual for parade participation if they are medically exempt from vaccination.

All participants and staff must wear face coverings regardless of vaccination status. Macy's will also implement a reduction in the overall number of participants, to approximately 800 to 1,600 people.

Social distancing practices will be in place at all interior/exterior parade operations areas, including costuming areas, seating and participant check-in.

The return of the Macy's Balloon Inflation event is currently under consideration, and more information about this event will be announced in November, which is when more details on the exact public viewing locations, entry guidelines, and restrictions will also be announced.