2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Start Time, How to Watch, Performer List, and More
Thanksgiving is just days away, and that means it’s almost time for one of the most iconic events of the holiday season: The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Every year, dozens of balloons, floats, marching bands, and performance groups usher in the Christmas season with a star-studded Big Apple parade. The tradition dates back more than a century to 1924, when Macy’s decided to mark the opening of its expanded flagship Herald Square store with a parade of floats, clowns, and animals on loan from the Central Park Zoo. Balloons were added in 1927, and the big event has continued to delight New Yorkers and people around the U.S. nearly every year since.
The 99th edition of the parade will feature balloons new and old, performances by stars such as Debbie Gibson, Darlene Love, Busta Rhymes, and, of course, an appearance from Santa Claus himself. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What time does the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 27.
The parade follows a 2½-mile route through Manhattan. It begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West, then continues south down Central Park West to Columbus Circle. At Columbus Circle, the parade turns east on Central Park South. Once the parade reaches 6th Avenue, it turns south and continues to 34th Street, making its way to Macy’s Herald Square.
If you’re in NYC, you can view the parade in person. You don’t need a ticket. However, viewing is restricted in some areas.
How can I watch this year’s Thanksgiving parade?
If you’re like most people, you’ll watch this year’s parade from the cozy comfort of your couch. The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air live on NBC from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in all time zones. Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker return as hosts.
The parade will also stream live on Peacock and air again on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT. A Spanish language simulcast will air on Telemundo and be hosted by Carlos Adyan, Andrea Meza, and Clovis Nienow.
An encore presentation airs on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT.
Who is performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2025?
Once again, Macy’s has assembled an impressive roster of talent for this year’s parade. The lineup includes EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, and the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, as well as highlights from the Broadway productions of Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime.
Other performers include Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luísa Sonza, and Teyana Taylor
Of course, the Radio City Rockettes, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, will show off their signature leg kicks. Eleven marching bands from around the country will also perform, as well several performance and dance groups. Nikki DeLoach, U.S. Olympian Ilia Malinin, Kristoffer Polaha, U.S Paralympian Jack Wallace, and special correspondent Sean Evans will also make appearances.
Are there new balloons at this year’s Macy’s parade?
In 2025, the parade will feature 32 balloons, 3 “ballonicles,” 27 floats, and 33 clown groups.
Four balloons make their debut in this year’s parade: Buzz Lightyear by Pixar Animation Studios; PAC-MAN by Bandai Namco Entertainment America, Inc.; Shrek’s Onion Carriage from Universal Pictures’ DreamWorks Animation; and Mario by Nintendo. Additionally, Derpy Tiger and Sussie from K-Pop Demon Hunters will join the line-up as a mid-sized balloon and balloonicle, respectively.
Source: History.com.
For more news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.
