Just like in previous Thanksgivings, movie theaters witnessed a surge in attendance, setting a new box office record. On this special day, box office sales soared past $57 million, doubling last year's total of $22.7 million and tripling the 2022 figure of $17.7 million. It even surpassed the 2018 record of $41.9 million. Disney's Moana 2, released the day before, achieved a remarkable $28 million in ticket sales, surpassing Frozen II's previous record of $14.96 million in 2016. Universal's Wicked, in its second week, also outperformed Frozen II, generating $17.0 million. Paramount's Gladiator II, in its second week, recorded $6.7 million. These three movies from different studios gave moviegoers a compelling reason to leave their homes. Moreover, all three films received strong Rotten Tomatoes audience scores.
Over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, even more box office records were set. A total of $412.8 million in tickets were sold, surpassing the previous high of $315.6 million in 2018. Comscore's senior media analyst, Paul Dergarabedian, pointed out that the planets aligned perfectly for movie theaters during this holiday, with the right films programmed to deliver massive box office revenue. AMC Theaters' CEO, Adam Aron, announced that over the Thanksgiving holiday (Wednesday through Sunday), more than 8.8 million people watched a movie at an AMC theater globally, setting a new high in its 104-year history. Moana 2 led the way, grossing $221 million in sales, surpassing the previous high of $204.6 million set by the Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023. It also became the top grossing Disney animated film during Thanksgiving weekend, surpassing Frozen II's 2019 gross of $125 million. Disney now holds seven of the top ten Thanksgiving weekend debuts.
The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC and Peacock attracted a record high average audience of 31.3 million, an increase from last year's 28.5 million viewers. The live airing on NBC started at 8:30 a.m. (ET) and ended at 12 noon, averaging 23.6 million viewers, making it the most watched entertainment show since the 2020 Oscars. Peacock's viewing during the parade grew by +26% from 2023. NBC is renegotiating the broadcast rights, which could reach $60 million, a threefold increase from the current agreement. This year, NBC charged advertisers $900,000 for a :30 ad. After the parade, the National Dog Show aired and averaged 12.2 million viewers, the most since 2020.
After the parade, CBS aired the first of three live NFL games at 12:30 p.m. Although CBS and Nielsen have not renewed their contract, Nielsen still measures the audience. No viewing data for this game is currently available. At 4:30 p.m. (ET), Fox televised the late afternoon Thanksgiving Day game featuring the NFC division rivals New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. Despite both teams having losing records, the game averaged 38.5 million viewers on Fox, with a peak of 41.3 million viewers in the quarter-hour starting at 6 p.m. (ET). Fox Sports claims it was the most watched regular season game of the 2024 NFL season and the fourth most watched Thanksgiving Day game. However, it was the lowest rated Cowboys game on Thanksgiving since 2020, with a year-over-year viewership decrease of -8%. At prime time on NBC and Peacock, the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins game averaged 26.6 million viewers, slightly below the previous game but an increase from 2022. According to Nielsen, last year, all three Thanksgiving telecasts and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ranked among the 50 most watched telecasts.
For one day, streaming took a back seat as people flocked to theaters and watched live television. It was a throwback to a bygone era of shared entertainment experiences.
The act of bringing a toy not only helped the children in need but also created a sense of unity among the attendees. It was a reminder of the importance of giving back and supporting those less fortunate during the festive time of the year.
The co-sponsors played a crucial role in making this event a success. Their support added to the overall atmosphere and made it a memorable experience for everyone involved. Simple Coffee and Midnight Run demonstrated their commitment to the community by partnering with Ristorante MV in this worthy cause.
The owners of these cars took great pride in showcasing their treasures. They shared stories about the history and restoration of their vehicles, adding an extra layer of interest to the display. It was a chance for car enthusiasts to admire the craftsmanship and design of these timeless beauties.
The classic cars not only attracted the attention of the attendees but also became a centerpiece of the event. They added a touch of nostalgia and elegance to the atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all who attended.
It showed that even in a busy world, there are opportunities to come together and make a positive difference. The event served as a reminder that we all have a role to play in helping those in need and creating a better community.
The support for Toys for Tots through this car show will have a lasting impact on the lives of children in the local area. It is an example of how small acts of kindness can have a big impact and make a real difference in the world.