Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Route, Stars & Highlights

When November 27, 2025 arrives, millions across the U.S. will tune in or head to New York City to catch the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — a spectacle that ushers in the holiday season with music, balloons, floats, and festive performances.

This year’s parade begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time — fitting a national audience across all U.S. time zones. — and runs until around noon. For anyone who misses the live broadcast, there’s a replay at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Whether you watch from your living room or stand along the sidewalks in Manhattan, here’s what to expect — and what made 2025’s parade truly memorable.

Where to Watch — On TV, Online or In Person

The official broadcast is carried by NBC and streams simultaneously on Peacock, making it easy to catch the parade no matter where you are.

For those in New York City, prime viewing spots open early. The parade starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West, travels south via Sixth Avenue and ends at the flagship Macy's store at Herald Square.

Typical crowd-favorite view points run from Central Park West (around West 75th to 63rd Streets), down West 59th Street between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue, and along Sixth Avenue itself between 59th and 38th Streets.

Just remember: near the end of the route (close to Macy’s), viewing may be limited due to broadcast equipment and crowd density.

What’s New — Balloons, Floats & Performances

This year’s parade lineup blends beloved classics with fresh pop-culture treats and lots of star power.

🎈 Balloons & Floats

• The new balloon stars include characters like Buzz Lightyear, Mario, PAC‑MAN, and a brand-new balloon from the animated series KPop Demon Hunters — the “Derpy Tiger.”
• Fans of nostalgia and animation alike got to enjoy a wide mix: classic favorites like Snoopy and Spider-Man shared the skies with new iconic additions.
• Over 28 elaborate floats, dozens of clown teams and marching bands, plus smaller “balloonicles” and performance groups, added layers of color, music, and movement through Manhattan.

🎤 Performers & Hosts

The 2025 parade featured a star-studded musical roster. Among those performing or appearing were Ciara, Busta Rhymes, Jewel, Kool & the Gang, Lainey Wilson — and several others spanning pop, hip-hop, rock, and country.

Broadway and theater fans got a treat, too: casts from current musicals performed along the parade route, offering a hint at what’s on stage this season.

The hosting team for NBC’s broadcast included familiar faces: Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and returning former co-anchor Hoda Kotb. Their reunion added an extra layer of warmth and nostalgia for longtime viewers.

And to kick things off, the powerhouse vocalist Cynthia Erivo opened the show with a stirring performance that set a festive and uplifting tone for the day.

Why 2025 Feels Special: Tradition Meets New-Age Pop Culture

What stands out about this year’s parade is its blend of timeless holiday tradition and modern pop-culture energy. The mix of classic balloons and new icons like Buzz Lightyear or Mario reflects how the parade evolves with each generation — welcoming families young and old, nostalgic fans and new viewers alike.

The diverse lineup of performers and musical genres — from Broadway to hip-hop to country — ensures there's something for everyone. Meanwhile, the return of beloved hosts and live-performance energy helps recapture the warmth and community spirit the parade has embodied for decades.

For many, watching the parade has become as much a part of Thanksgiving as the meal itself — a comforting, unifying ritual that says the holiday season has officially begun.

Final Thought

Whether you’re cheering from midtown Manhattan, gathered with family on the couch, or streaming from halfway across the globe — the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade reminds us why this event endures. It’s a celebration of joy, community, creativity, and a little bit of magic.

If you’re tuning in, get ready for a colorful journey through music, floats, balloons, and smiles — a fresh but familiar start to the holidays.