The 79th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 24, 2005, in New York City and shown to viewers live on NBC that same day from 9 a.m. to noon EST. It was hosted by Katie Couric, Matt Lauer and Al Roker. The lineup featured 14 giant helium balloons, 28 novelty/ornament balloons and balloonicles, 27 floats, 10 marching bands, 1,600 cheerleaders, a host of celebrities and large performance groups, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.