By Gao Yun
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is about to begin. This year marks the 99th consecutive year of the tradition, often called by many Americans “the best way to kick off Thanksgiving.” As always, the parade will be massive, bringing a strong holiday atmosphere to New York City and viewers across the U.S.
According to the organizers, this year’s parade will feature 34 giant balloons, 4 mini balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown units, and 11 marching bands, making its way through the streets of New York. Cynthia Erivo, star of the Broadway musical Wicked, will open the show.
Roughly 3.5 million spectators watch the parade in person in New York every year, while more than 50 million tune in via TV or online. Thousands of volunteers work behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.
1. When does the parade start?
The 2025 parade will officially begin at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 27, and will be broadcast live across U.S. time zones until 12:00 p.m. NBC will also air a rebroadcast at 2 p.m. ET/PT.
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2. How to watch
The parade’s only official live broadcast remains with NBC and Peacock. The hosts will be TODAY anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.
If you don’t have Peacock or cable, you can still watch through:
- DIRECTV — Includes NBC with a 5-day free trial via live TV streaming
- Sling TV — NBC included in the Select plan from $19.99/month
NBC will also offer SAP audio description for blind and visually-impaired audiences.
Spanish-language viewers can watch the live Telemundo broadcast, hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow.
Macy’s will share behind-the-scenes clips on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Threads. Search @macys and #MacysParade.
3. Watching in person: Route & viewing areas
The full parade route is about 2.5 miles:
- Start: 77th Street & Eighth Avenue, Manhattan
- Continue along West 59th Street
- Turn onto Sixth Avenue
- End at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square, where televised performances take place
Some areas are restricted for viewing, including Central Park West between 59th–60th Street.
For the full route map, visit the official site: macys.com/s/parade/route.
4. Weather forecast
Thanksgiving Day will be drier than earlier in the week, but cold.
Fox Weather meteorologist Matt Shapiro says:
“The skies should be clear tomorrow, but temperatures will be much lower—only in the upper 40s °F (about 4–7°C). Winds may gust up to 30 mph, making it feel even colder.”
Anyone planning to line up early should dress warmly and bring wind protection.
5. Performers & special acts
This year’s lineup is extensive, including singers, dance groups, marching bands, and Broadway casts:
Opening: Cynthia Erivo from Wicked
Musical artists (partial list): Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Ciara, Lil Jon, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, Teyana
K-pop appearances: Performers featured in Netflix hit HUNTR/X — including Audrey Nuna, EJAE, Rei Ami
Broadway shows featured: Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, Ragtime
Classic performers: The Rockettes, celebrating their 100th anniversary, return as tradition.
Other notable guest appearances: Sean Evans (Hot Ones), ballerina Tiler Peck, three-time U.S. figure skating champion Ilia Malinin, Paralympian Jack Wallace, and others.
6. New floats & balloon characters
This year introduces 6 brand-new floats and 4 new character balloons — major highlights for parade fans.
New floats include:
- Labubu Float — honoring the viral toy brand Pop Mart
- Upside Down Invasion — a Stranger Things-themed float appearing one day after the final season’s premiere
- Holland America Line — The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder
- The LEGO Group — Brick-tastic Winter Mountain
- Lindt — Master Chocolatier Ballroom
- Serta — The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator
New giant balloons:
- Buzz Lightyear
- PAC-MAN
- Mario
- Shrek’s Onion Carriage
