The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most loved holiday traditions in the United States. Each year millions of people gather in New York City or watch from home as floats, balloons, performers and marching bands travel through Manhattan. In 2025 the parade is filled with new surprises, returning favorites and special moments that will help kick off the holiday season. This guide breaks down what you can expect and what makes this year’s parade worth watching.
A Long Running Holiday Tradition
The Parade will celebrate its ninety ninth year in 2025. That makes it one of the oldest and most famous holiday events in the country. It has grown from a small neighborhood celebration to a large national broadcast watched by families everywhere. The charm of the parade comes from its mix of nostalgia and new ideas. People tune in for the classic balloons and performances that remind them of their childhoods, while also looking forward to new characters and creative displays.
Macy’s has worked to keep the parade fresh and exciting each year. This balance of tradition and innovation is a major reason why the event continues to attract a huge audience. The 2025 edition will continue this approach with new balloons, new floats and a strong mix of current entertainment and classic holiday features.
Start Time and Where to Watch
The parade will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025. It begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time and will air live on NBC and Peacock. Viewers can also catch replay segments later in the day on streaming platforms. For people in New York City the parade route will once again start on the Upper West Side, move down Central Park West and end in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
If you plan to watch in person, be ready for large crowds. Many people arrive before sunrise to claim a spot along the route. The energy in the crowd is part of the fun, so it is worth getting there early if you want a good view. Watching from home is also a favorite option because it allows you to see close up shots of the balloons and performers that are harder to view in person.
New Balloons to Look For
One of the biggest highlights of the parade each year is the unveiling of new giant character balloons. These balloons require months of design, testing and preparation. In 2025 fans can expect several new additions that will thrill both kids and adults.
Some of the new balloons include characters from beloved movies, video games and animated shows. Names like Buzz Lightyear, Pac Man and Mario are expected to appear for the first time. These characters have a strong fan base and will likely become some of the most talked about features of the parade. Shrek fans will also be excited to see the Onion Carriage balloon, which brings humor and nostalgia to the lineup.
The parade will also include three balloonicles. These are smaller balloon vehicles that drive down the street. They add variety and help fill moments between the larger balloons. Together the mix of traditional and brand new balloons will keep the parade visually exciting from start to finish.
Creative and Colorful Floats
The floats are another major attraction. Each float is built with incredible detail and often features moving parts, scenic designs and themed storytelling. In 2025 there will be twenty seven floats, including several new ones sponsored by brands and entertainment companies.
New designs will include floats from LEGO, Lindt, Stranger Things and Pop Mart’s Labubu. These floats use bright colors and fun concepts that appeal to both children and adults. LEGO floats often include giant brick sculptures, candy brand floats create sweet fantasy worlds and entertainment themed floats bring popular characters to life right on the street.
Designers spend months building and painting these floats. Many are created in pieces so they can be transported to Manhattan and assembled on site. The level of care put into each float makes them feel like moving art exhibits. They help tell stories along the route and create a magical feeling that has become a trademark of the Macy’s Parade.
A Strong Lineup of Performers
Music and entertainment are essential to the energy of the parade. Each year Macy’s brings in a mix of popular artists, Broadway casts, cultural groups and special guests. The 2025 lineup includes a balanced variety of performers who appeal to different age groups and interests.
Viewers can expect performances from well known artists like Ciara, Shaggy, Lil Jon, Jewel and Kool and the Gang. These musicians bring familiar hits and lively stage presence that help keep the parade fun and upbeat. There will also be performances from rising stars and international artists, including K pop performers EJAE and Audrey Nuna as well as Rei Ami of the group HUNTR X. This global mix reflects current music trends while also giving the parade an exciting modern touch.
Broadway fans will also have several shows to enjoy. Casts from current musicals will perform scenes on their designated floats or in front of the cameras near Herald Square. These segments are always lively and give viewers a taste of New York City’s theater scene. For many families these Broadway moments are among their favorite parts of the parade broadcast.
Marching Bands and Dance Groups
Marching bands play an important role in the parade. In 2025 there will be eleven marching bands from across the United States as well as one from Panama. These bands are usually selected a year or more in advance. Schools and community groups take enormous pride in being invited. Members train for months to perfect their performances.
The bands bring a rhythmic and energetic feel to the parade. Their uniforms, synchronized steps and dynamic music create a strong visual and sound experience. They also help break up the flow of balloons and floats, giving the event a nice balance between quiet, slow moving moments and fast, upbeat segments.
Dance groups are another key part of the parade. Spirit of America and several other dance ensembles will return in 2025. These groups prepare large choreographed routines that involve hundreds of dancers. Their routines bring color, motion and excitement to the streets. Other specialty groups, such as circus performers or cultural dance teams, may also appear to add diversity and variety.
The Rockettes Return for a Milestone Year
The Radio City Rockettes are one of the most iconic parts of the parade. They return each year to perform a holiday themed routine that highlights their famous precision dancing. In 2025 the Rockettes are celebrating their one hundredth year, which makes their performance even more meaningful.
Fans can expect a polished and festive number that brings together classic dance elements and holiday style. Their bright costumes, perfect timing and joyful presentation help set the tone for the holiday season. The Rockettes are always a highlight of the broadcast and their milestone anniversary will make this year’s appearance even more special.
Behind the Scenes Effort
Many viewers do not realize how much work goes into producing the parade. Planning for the 2025 event began more than a year in advance. Designers plan floats and balloons, music directors coordinate performances and city officials help create safety and traffic plans. Thousands of volunteers also help inflate balloons, guide the route and assist backstage.
The balloon inflation event the night before the parade is a popular tradition on its own. Families gather on the Upper West Side to watch the balloons come to life. It is a unique experience to see these characters up close as they are prepared for the next day’s broadcast.
Fun Extras and New Additions
Macy’s will also offer special merchandise and exclusive collectibles related to the parade. Fans can buy plush toys, ornaments and limited edition items that feature characters from the 2025 lineup. There may also be a sweepstakes in the Macy’s app for a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2026 parade.
Social media coverage will be larger than ever. Live content creators and hosts will share behind the scenes clips, balloon inflation videos and interviews with performers. This makes it easier for viewers to follow the parade even if they cannot watch the full broadcast.
A Celebration for All Ages
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to be one of the most joyful ways to start the holiday season. It brings together families, friends and communities in a shared moment of celebration and tradition. The mix of new features and classic elements in 2025 will make it a memorable year.
Whether you watch in person or from your couch, the parade offers something for everyone. Colorful balloons, detailed floats, exciting performers and holiday cheer fill the morning with magic. As the parade steps into its ninety ninth year it remains a powerful sign of creativity, unity and tradition.
In 2025 the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will once again remind us of the warmth and excitement that mark the beginning of the holiday season. It is a celebration worth watching and a tradition that continues to inspire happiness year after year.
