Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: A Spectacular Guide for Indian Viewers
The eagerly awaited Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is all set to transform the streets of New York City into a vibrant festival of giant balloons, dazzling floats, and star-studded performances. This iconic American tradition, which officially heralds the start of the holiday season, promises an unforgettable spectacle for audiences in India and around the globe.
Parade Schedule and Key Highlights
The 2025 edition of the parade will commence on November 27, marching from Manhattan's Upper West Side. The grand finale will be at the famous Macy's Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which will serve as a dynamic stage for musical acts.
This year's procession is a visual feast, featuring an impressive lineup of 34 giant balloons, four mini-balloons, 28 elaborately designed floats, 33 energetic clown groups, and 11 marching bands. The parade will also showcase two major cultural phenomena of the year: the Labubu balloon and a celebration of the "KPop Demon Hunters" from the popular Netflix series. As always, the procession will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus, marking the official start of the Christmas season.
How and When to Watch from India
For viewers in India, timing is crucial. The parade kicks off at 8:30 AM EST, which translates to 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). This live broadcast will air simultaneously across all time zones.
You can catch all the action on the NBC network. For those preferring to stream the event online, a simulcast will be available on the Peacock streaming platform. If you miss the live show, an encore telecast begins at 2 PM EST (12:30 AM IST the next day). Spanish-speaking audiences can tune into Telemundo for a dedicated broadcast.
Star-Studded Performances and Weather Update
The musical lineup for the parade is exceptionally diverse. Headlining the event are singer-songwriters Conan Gray and Lainey Wilson. They will be joined by a remarkable roster of performers including Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, and Mickey Guyton.
Broadway sensation Cynthia Erivo, famous for her role in "Wicked," is set to kick off the celebrations. The parade will also feature appearances from artists like Audrey Nuna, EJAЕ and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, and the fictional girl group from "KPop Demon Hunters." Adding to the eclectic mix are ballet dancer Tiler Peck and YouTube's Sean Evans from "Hot Ones."
Regarding the weather, forecasts from The Weather Channel and AccuWeather predict a high of 48 degrees Fahrenheit with partly cloudy skies and winds between 12-13 mph. This is well within the safety limits, as New York City regulations prohibit flying the large balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts go over 35 mph.
This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is shaping up to be one of the most memorable, blending classic traditions with contemporary pop culture, making it a must-watch event for families in India seeking a grand visual treat.