The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to commence, heralding the start of the holiday season. The event will take place in Manhattan on Thursday, November 27, at 8:30 a.m. ET.
What to Expect at the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade
This year’s parade promises a vibrant display featuring:
- 32 balloons
- 3 balloonicles
- 27 floats
- 4 specialty units
- 33 clown groups
- 11 marching bands
- Various performance groups and musical acts
The festivities are expected to last approximately 3.5 hours, concluding at noon. The parade will start on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and make its way to Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square.
New Floats and Balloons
In its commitment to evolve the nearly century-old tradition, Macy’s will introduce seven new floats and five new balloon characters this year. Highlights include:
- The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator by Serta: A whimsical float with dreamy decorations including stars and clouds.
- Friends-giving in POPCITY by Pop Mart: Featuring the Labubu float along with various Pop Mart characters.
- Upside Down Invasion from Stranger Things: A float showcasing an 8.5-foot tall Demogorgon.
- LEGO’s Brick-tastic Winter Mountain: Featuring LEGO characters in a winter setting.
- The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder: A float reflecting Alaska’s natural beauty.
- Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt: Decorated with chocolate-themed trimmings.
- The Littlest Float from Goldfish: A tiny float measuring just under 8 inches tall.
Featured Balloons
Several new balloon characters will also make their debut:
- Buzz Lightyear from Pixar
- PAC-MAN by Bandai Namco
- Shrek’s Onion Carriage from DreamWorks
- Mario by Nintendo
How to Watch the Parade
The parade will be televised on NBC starting at 8:30 a.m. ET across all time zones. Streaming options include Peacock and Fubo. An encore presentation will air at 2 p.m. ET/PT.
Viewers can enjoy a unique Multiview experience on Peacock, featuring:
- Traditional Programming: Includes live performances and commentary.
- Float View: A virtual float ride on Tom the Turkey.
- High-Rise View: A bird’s eye view of the parade route.
Star Performances
Cynthia Erivo, star of the musical “Wicked,” will open the parade with a performance. Other artists slated to perform include:
- Lainey Wilson
- Drew Baldridge
- Ciara
- Colbie Caillat
- Gavin DeGraw
- Mr. Fantasy
- Debbie Gibson
- Foreigner
- And many more
As the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade approaches, preparations are underway for a spectacular event filled with joy, celebration, and holiday spirit.
