It took nearly 100 years, but Minnie Mouse finally made her Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut with a new ballon. For the first time in the parade’s nearly century-long history, Mickey Mouse’s better half will be featured as one of the 22 balloons in this year’s festivities.

NEW YORK — The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was a rain-soaked -- but no less spectacular -- affair on Thursday as stars performed, floats lit up and the event's iconic balloons drifted through Manhattan to ring in the holiday season. A local Georgia high school marching band even turned out to be one of the standout acts of the parade.

The annual holiday tradition features new Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse balloons, zoo and pasta-themed floats, performances from Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel, and more.