New York City's famed Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade went ahead on Thursday, although the usually highly anticipated event was heavily cut back amid Covid-19.
The nearly 100-year-old parade, which features giant balloons and colourful floats, had no crowds and much of it was pre-recorded.
Instead of its typical path through Manhattan, this year's parade was kept to the area in front of Macy's flagship shop.
US hospital admissions for Covid-19 reached a record of more than 89,000 on Wednesday.
And there were warnings that the situation could worsen during the holiday in a country that has reported more than 262,000 deaths from the virus.
President-elect Joe Biden offered hope, however, in a video message.
"I know better days are coming, I know how bright our future is. I know the 21st century is going to be an American century," Mr Biden said.
He described how he normally travels to the New England coast for a big family feast, but would be staying home in Delaware this year for a small get-together.
"I know this isn't the way many of us hoped we'd spend our holiday," Mr Biden said.
"We know that a small act of staying home is a gift to our fellow Americans."
