From new character balloons to celebrity performances, here’s everything you need to know about watching the 2025 Thanksgiving tradition
A nearly century-old tradition returns
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is preparing for its 99th annual appearance, bringing festive entertainment to millions of viewers across the country. The beloved tradition serves as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, offering families a spectacular visual feast before gathering for their Thanksgiving meals.
Executive producer Will Coss emphasized the parade’s enduring cultural significance, describing it as an integral part of the nation’s stories and traditions spanning multiple generations. This year’s event promises to honor that legacy while introducing fresh elements that reflect contemporary pop culture and audience favorites.
Watch on Thursday morning, Nov. 27
The parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday, Nov. 27, giving early risers plenty of entertainment before holiday preparations shift into full gear. NBC will broadcast the event live across its television channels, ensuring widespread access for viewers nationwide.
Peacock subscribers can also stream the parade live starting at the same time, providing flexibility for those who prefer watching on mobile devices or streaming platforms. An encore presentation will air on NBC at 2 p.m. for anyone who misses the morning broadcast or wants to enjoy the spectacle a second time.
Telemundo will simultaneously broadcast the parade beginning at 8:30 a.m., offering Spanish-language coverage for viewers who prefer that option.
Countdown special arrives Wednesday night
The festivities actually begin the evening before Thanksgiving. NBC and Peacock will air the Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. This preview special builds anticipation for the main event while offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and highlights of what viewers can expect.
Record-breaking parade elements
This year’s parade represents one of the largest productions in its history. The lineup includes an impressive 32 balloons floating high above Manhattan streets, joined by 27 elaborate floats showcasing creative designs and technical artistry. Thirty-three clown groups will entertain crowds with their antics, while 11 marching bands provide musical accompaniment throughout the route.
Twenty-six performances from major music stars will punctuate the parade, creating memorable moments that blend traditional parade elements with contemporary entertainment value.
Seven fresh floats make their debut
Macy’s keeps the tradition relevant by introducing new attractions each year, typically inspired by recent pop culture phenomena and beloved entertainment properties. The 2025 parade welcomes seven brand-new floats that reflect current trends and audience interests.
A Labubu-themed float headlines the newcomers, featuring the popular character alongside other Pop Mart favorites including Skullpanda, Peach, Riot, Dimoo, Molly, Duckoo and Mokoko. The float celebrates what organizers call Friends-giving in POP CITY, bringing the collectible toy phenomenon to parade audiences.
Fans eager to extend their Pop Mart experience can visit a special holiday pop-up located across from Macy’s flagship store at 1 Penn Plaza in Herald Square. The installation remains open through the end of November.
Netflix and LEGO join the celebration
The Upside Down Invasion float honors the fifth and final season of Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Stranger Things. The float recreates scenes from Hawkins National Laboratory, bringing the show’s eerie atmosphere to the festive parade environment.
LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the Brick-tastic Winter Mountain scene, a massive replica of the company’s Yeti Mountain set. The detailed construction showcases the creative possibilities of the iconic building blocks while fitting perfectly into the parade’s winter wonderland theme.
Anniversary celebrations and sweet treats
Holland America Cruise Line marks its 80th anniversary of Alaska exploration with The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife and Wonder float. The elaborate creation features figures of moose, grizzly bears and gray wolves set against icy waters, capturing the majestic beauty of America’s last frontier.
Lindt Chocolate constructed a treat-inspired float featuring a full red and gold ballroom complete with elegant decorations. The confectionery company’s contribution adds sweetness to the visual spectacle.
New balloon characters take flight
Five new balloon characters will make their parade debuts, joining the roster of beloved inflatable figures that have become parade signatures. Buzz Lightyear from Pixar Animation Studios floats above the crowd, bringing the space ranger’s adventures to three-dimensional life.
PAC-MAN represents classic gaming nostalgia courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment America. The iconic yellow character translates surprisingly well to balloon form, delighting multiple generations of fans.
Universal Pictures’ DreamWorks Animation contributes Shrek’s Onion Carriage, celebrating the beloved ogre’s enduring popularity. Nintendo brings Mario to the parade, giving video game fans another reason to tune in.
Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters movie inspires two entries. Derpy Tiger joins the traditional balloon lineup, while Sussie appears as a balloonicle, a hybrid creation mounted on a vehicle and driven through the parade route rather than floating on strings.
Star-studded musical performances
The parade features an impressive roster of musical talent spanning multiple genres and generations. Country artist Drew Baldridge joins pop sensation Colbie Caillat and R&B star Ciara among the performers. Rock legends Foreigner and Busta Rhymes represent different eras of their respective genres.
Debbie Gibson, Jewel and Darlene Love bring decades of musical experience, while newer artists like Lauren Spencer Smith and Roman Mejia represent emerging talent. Lil Jon adds hip-hop energy, and Shaggy brings his distinctive reggae fusion sound.
Classical crossover artist Matteo Bocelli, country star Mickey Guyton, and Broadway veteran Christopher Jackson round out the diverse lineup. Taylor Momsen, Calum Scott and Brazilian singer Luísa Sonza ensure international representation.
Special guest appearances
Beyond musical performers, the parade welcomes notable personalities from various fields. Actress Nikki DeLoach and actor Kristoffer Polaha make appearances alongside athletic stars. U.S. Olympian Ilia Malinin and U.S. Paralympian Jack Wallace represent the excellence of American sports achievement.
Hot Ones host Sean Evans serves as special correspondent, bringing his popular interview show’s energy to parade coverage.
A tradition worth preserving
As the parade approaches its centennial celebration next year, the 99th edition demonstrates why this tradition remains relevant across generations. By balancing nostalgic elements with contemporary additions, Macy’s creates an experience that appeals to longtime fans while attracting new audiences.
The parade’s ability to evolve while maintaining its core identity explains its enduring success as America’s favorite Thanksgiving morning entertainment.
