The holiday season will officially begin in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 27, when the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. The annual tradition, one of the most watched and economically influential events in the country, is expected to attract millions in person and tens of millions more on television and streaming services.
For Macy’s, the Parade remains both a cultural institution and a major brand platform. “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the official kickoff to the holiday season and has been part of the nation’s stories and traditions for generations,” said Will Coss, the event’s executive producer. “On Thanksgiving morning, larger-than-life balloons, awe-inspiring floats and showstopping performances will create unforgettable moments and lasting memories.”
A Packed Lineup of Performances
This year’s show features the daytime debut of EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters. Performances from Broadway’s “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime” will add to the spectacle, along with the return of the Radio City Rockettes, celebrating their 100th anniversary.
A lengthy list of entertainers will perform along the route, including Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luísa Sonza and Teyana Taylor. Additional appearances include Nikki DeLoach, Olympic skater Ilia Malinin, actor Kristoffer Polaha, Paralympian Jack Wallace and special correspondent Sean Evans. Young influencer Taylen Biggs will serve as Macy’s social media host during the event.
More than 5,000 volunteers will support the 2025 Parade, which will include 32 balloons, three balloonicles, 27 floats, four specialty units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, and performance groups, all leading up to Santa Claus’s arrival at Herald Square.
New Balloons, New Floats and a Nod to Parade History
Macy’s Studios will debut several large-scale creative additions, including new character balloons representing Buzz Lightyear from Pixar, PAC-MAN from Bandai Namco Entertainment America, the Onion Carriage from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, and Mario from Nintendo. Mid-sized balloons and balloonicles from KPop Demon Hunters will also join the lineup.
Six new floats will appear for the first time: The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder by Holland America Line; Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by The LEGO Group; Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt; Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things by Netflix; Friends-giving in POPCITY by Pop Mart; and The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator by Serta. The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse will add new balloonicle elements this year. These floats will be towed by Ram Trucks, the official truck of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
With the 100th Parade approaching in 2026, Macy’s will reintroduce beloved historic balloon elements, including Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, the Happy Hippo Triple Stack, Wigglefoot and Freida the Dachshund. A new collaboration with Goldfish will also be featured.
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches will lead the Parade on the Tom Turkey float, continuing Macy’s Mission Every One social impact initiative, which has raised more than $13 million since 2022.
Bands, Choreography and Performing Arts Groups
Student musicians from across the United States and abroad will participate, including Banda de Musica La Primavera from Panama; Catawba Ridge High School from South Carolina; Damien Spartan Regiment from California; L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band from Texas; Macy’s Great American Marching Band; Northern Arizona University Lumberjack Marching Band; Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite from Alcorn State University; Spartans Jr Drum and Bugle Corps from New Hampshire; The Marching Pride of North Alabama; The Temple University Diamond Band; and the NYPD Marching Band.
Choreographer Mia Michaels will create routines for the arrivals of Tom Turkey and Santa Claus, along with five featured floats. Additional groups include A CHORUS LINE: The Next Generation, Circus Vazquez, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, I LOVE DANCE, MOVE NYC, Native Pride Productions, Star Track Cycling and a combined 1,200 dancers and cheerleaders from Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer.
Holiday Retail Tie-Ins and Special Experiences
Macy’s will offer a range of Parade-themed merchandise, including collectible ornaments, snow globes, apparel and home décor. Seasonal collaborations featuring Disney, Marvel, PAC-MAN and Serta will be available in stores and online. A Pop Mart pop-up will operate inside Macy’s Herald Square flagship.
Through Dec. 2, customers can enter a Parade sweepstakes via the Macy’s app for a chance to win prizes throughout the season. One winner will receive a VIP trip to the 100th Parade in 2026 and a $5,000 shopping spree with a Macy’s Personal Stylist.
How to Watch and What to Expect
The Parade will broadcast live on NBC and Peacock at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, with an encore at 2 p.m. A Spanish-language simulcast will air on Telemundo. “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” will be broadcast live the night before, offering behind-the-scenes access. NBCUniversal will again provide live audio description for blind and visually impaired audiences.
This year’s route begins at West 77th Street and ends at Herald Square. Public viewing, managed by the NYPD, will be available along designated sections of the route. Spectators should avoid bringing large bags, umbrellas, backpacks and strollers, and may be subject to security screening.
More information on viewing locations, Parade elements and behind-the-scenes content is available at macys.com/parade and on Macy’s social channels using @macys and #MacysParade.
