The streets of New York City were filled with joy and spectacle on Thursday, November 27, 2025, as the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade made its triumphant return. Thousands of enthusiastic spectators lined the 2.5-mile route from the Upper West Side to Midtown, witnessing a grand display of more than 30 floats, 34 giant balloons, 11 marching bands, and dozens of performers, officially kicking off the holiday season.
Iconic Balloons and Exciting New Debuts
The sky above Manhattan was a canvas of beloved characters, with fan-favourite balloons drawing cheers from the massive crowd. Beagle Scout Snoopy, Super Mario, Spider-Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Stuart the Minion floated proudly, continuing their long-standing parade traditions.
This year's parade also introduced several new balloons that captured everyone's attention. The debut of Buzz Lightyear from Pixar's 'Toy Story' was a major highlight. He was joined by Derpy Tiger, inspired by Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters', and the beloved puppy Bluey, who returned to the parade after receiving immense fan acclaim. These newcomers were a huge hit, especially with younger viewers and families.
Historic Moments and Spectacular Performances
One of the most talked-about moments was the debut of the Labubu float. Featuring the viral plush toy characters Labubu and Mokoko from the 'Pop City' display, this float made parade history. Standing an impressive 16 feet tall, these fuzzy figures became the first furry inflatables ever featured in the parade, marking a leap from social-media sensation to live spectacle.
In a perfectly timed synergy, a new 'Stranger Things' float brought the Upside Down to New York City, just hours after Season 5 Part 1 premiered on Netflix. The dramatic display, complete with caution tape, lab workers, and a Demogorgon, featured the rock band Foreigner performing "Cold as Ice" amidst an icy theme, creating a buzz among fans.
The musical energy continued with a powerful performance by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the voices behind Huntr/X in 'KPop Demon Hunters'. Introduced by actor Ken Jeong, they performed "Golden" as confetti rained down on the parade route.
A Complete Celebration of Thanksgiving Spirit
Beyond the balloons, the parade was a full-fledged festival. The lineup included 28 elaborate floats, 11 marching bands from across the United States, over 30 clown crews, and the world-famous Rockettes, who danced their way out of Radio City Music Hall.
The celebration began at 8:30 a.m. ET, adhering to the recently introduced earlier start time, and concluded around noon, allowing families to head home and prepare for their Thanksgiving dinners, filled with the magic of the parade.
