PHOTOS: See Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2021 In NYC

NEW YORK, NY — The crowds returned Thursday as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returned to full swing, bouncing back after the coronavirus pandemic confined last year's tradition to a pre-recorded event without a live audience.

Although some precautions were still in place, the favorite holiday balloon staples were back, including Santa Claus.

Once again, spectators lined the route, stretching two-and-a-half miles of Manhattan streets from the Upper West Side to Midtown, as high school and college marching bands, costumed balloon handlers and Broadway performers brought the magic to the holiday season.

At a news briefing Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the parade is "going to be a great sign of our rebirth."

Check out photos of all the dazzling floats and performers at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, as well as your favorite balloons – including new ones like Baby Yoda.

A float depicting "Grogu" moves down Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Toni balloon makes its way down Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Carolers wave at spectators as they ride down Sixth Avenue in the Macy's Singing Christmas Tree float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

New York Police special operations officers stand watch during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

NYPD officers stand guard next to Radio City Music Hall as people try to watch the parade.

Jon Batiste rides on a float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Mickey Guyton was also riding on a float during the annual parade.

Youngsters watch from a window as balloons from the parade pass by.

The Ada Twist balloon moves down Sixth Avenue during the festivities.

The Tom Turkey float waits along Central Park West before the start of the festivities.

People watch from a balcony as the parade passes by.

The Greg Heffley "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" balloon floats past Radio City Music Hall during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Steve Burns, left, Donovan Patton, center, and Joshua Dela Cruz, stand on the Blues Clues float before the parade.

Spectator Lucy Nichols, 11, smiles as the balloons soar past West 62nd Street.

Lucy Nichols joins other spectators to see the balloons soar past the Upper West Side, as they wind their way down two-and-a-half miles of Manhattan.

Nelly, center, rides on a float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Aespa had a float to ride on during the parade as well.

People watch as the Smokey Bear balloon passes during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Members of the Hampton University marching band react to the Sesame Street float before the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

People watch as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade passes by.

People make their way at Times Square after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Check out photos below of the parade crews setting up your favorite balloons Wednesday as they prepared for the parade:

Police walk by an inflated helium balloon of Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda, from the Star Wars show The Mandalorian, Wednesday, November 24, 2021, in New York, as the balloon is readied for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.

Crews pump helium into a balloon of Pikachu and Eevee in New York on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, as the balloon is readied for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.

Inflation team members inflate the Boss Baby balloon during Macy's 95th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade's "Inflation Eve," Wednesday, November 24, 2021, in New York.

The Associated Press contributed to this post.