The holiday season in the United States officially begins with the spectacular 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved tradition that transforms the streets of New York City into a vibrant festival of joy. This year's event is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, at 8:30 a.m. ET (2200 GMT), promising to captivate millions of spectators lining the parade route and watching from their homes nationwide.
How to Watch the Grand Celebration
For audiences across the United States, the main broadcast will be available on NBC and the streaming service Peacock, starting at the parade's kick-off time of 8:30 a.m. ET. For those who miss the live spectacle, an encore presentation will air at 2 p.m. ET/PT. The hosting duties will be handled once again by the popular TODAY show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.
Spanish-language coverage will be provided by Telemundo, with hosts Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow. In a commendable move for inclusivity, NBCUniversal will offer live audio description for blind and visually impaired viewers through the Secondary Audio Program (SAP) channel.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Performers and Appearances
The 2025 edition of the parade boasts an impressive roster of musical and theatrical talent. The stage will be set ablaze by performances from a diverse group of artists, including Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Shaggy, Teyana Taylor, Lil Jon, Foreigner, Mickey Guyton, and Jewel, among others.
Adding to the excitement will be special appearances from Olympians Ilia Malinin and Jack Wallace. Social media correspondent Taylen Biggs will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes content for Macy's official social media platforms, giving digital audiences an insider's view.
Iconic Balloons, Floats, and Marching Bands
The visual spectacle of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is defined by its gigantic balloons and elaborate floats. This year, the sky will be filled with 32 balloons, 3 balloonicles, 27 floats, and 4 specialty units.
Spectators can look forward to brand-new balloon characters like Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Mario, and Shrek’s Onion Carriage. The parade will also debut several new floats, such as the Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by LEGO, Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt, Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things by Netflix, and Friends-giving in POPCITY by Pop Mart. Beloved classics like the Rainbow and Greybow Trouts and the Happy Hippo Triple Stack will also make a welcome return.
The energy on the ground will be amplified by the rhythms of over 11 marching bands and performance groups from across the nation. Notable participants include the NYCPD Marching Band, Macy’s Great American Marching Band, Damien Spartan Regiment, and The Temple University Diamond Band. Choreographer Mia Michaels will create dynamic routines with the Macy’s House Dancers, with additional performances from troupes like A Chorus Line: The Next Generation, Circus Vazquez, and Spirit of America Dance & Cheer.
Special Highlights and Practical Information
A key community highlight involves Big Brothers Big Sisters leading the iconic Tom Turkey float. For fans wanting a piece of the magic, Macy's is offering parade-themed collectibles and exclusive merchandise. They are also running a first-of-its-kind sweepstakes on the Macy’s app, with a grand prize featuring a VIP trip to the 100th parade in 2026 and a $5,000 Macy’s shopping spree.
The parade will follow its traditional 2.5-mile route, starting at 77th Street in Manhattan and concluding at Herald Square. Public viewing is available along the designated streets, but attendees should expect security checks and are advised to avoid bringing large bags, umbrellas, or strollers.
To build anticipation, a Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade special will air on Wednesday, November 26 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the big day.
