The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brought unmatched holiday excitement to New York City on Thursday, November 27, 2025 — and the Broadway performances Macy’s Parade 2025 lineup delivered one of the most dazzling showcases in recent memory. As millions of viewers tuned in nationwide on NBC and Peacock, this year’s Broadway numbers highlighted the best of American theatre, live talent, and holiday spirit.
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A Star-Filled Morning in Manhattan
The Macy’s Parade once again transformed Manhattan’s streets into a moving stage, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET from the Upper West Side and concluding at Macy’s Herald Square. The 2025 parade featured 16 giant balloons, 26 floats, 33 clown crews, and 12 marching bands, but it was the Broadway blockbusters that took center stage.
NBC’s national telecast showcased performances filmed in front of the Macy’s flagship store, with each show introducing holiday audiences to the magic of Broadway currently lighting up Times Square.
Confirmed Broadway Lineup for the 2025 Parade
The official 2025 Broadway performance list featured a mix of long-running favorites and new season highlights. Each cast brought live choreography and vocals directly to millions of viewers at home.
1. The Lion King
Disney’s record-breaking musical opened the parade with its iconic number “Circle of Life.” The performance featured Pearl Khwezi as Nala and Vincent Jamal Hooper as Simba, backed by the show’s stunning puppetry and live ensemble. Celebrating over 27 years on Broadway, it remains a symbol of theatrical excellence.
2. Wicked
The emerald magic of Wicked returned for another unforgettable appearance. Alyssa Fox (Elphaba) and McKenzie Kurtz (Glinda) led the cast in “Defying Gravity,” captivating both in-person spectators and television viewers. The performance marked one year since the show’s 20th Broadway anniversary.
3. Back to the Future: The Musical
One of Broadway’s most electrifying new hits, Back to the Future: The Musical, brought 1.21 gigawatts of energy to Herald Square. Stars Casey Likes (Marty McFly) and Roger Bart (Doc Brown) energized the crowd with “The Power of Love,” featuring a DeLorean prop parked in front of Macy’s.
4. Hell’s Kitchen
The Tony-winning Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen made its Macy’s Parade debut with “Empire State of Mind.” Lead actress Maleah Joi Moon and cast members from the Shubert Theatre delivered a heartfelt tribute to New York, blending soul, hip-hop, and Broadway flair.
5. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The cast of Moulin Rouge! turned 34th Street into Paris’ Montmartre with a high-energy medley of “Lady Marmalade” and “Come What May.” Performers Courtney Reed and Derek Klena embodied the glamour and passion that have made the show a Broadway favorite.
6. Some Like It Hot
Tony Award-winning musical Some Like It Hot brought big-band energy to the parade with “You Coulda Knocked Me Over with a Feather.” The number featured J. Harrison Ghee and Adrianna Hicks, celebrating diversity, comedy, and dance at its finest.
7. The Wiz
Following its acclaimed 2024 Broadway revival, The Wiz continued to charm audiences. The Macy’s performance showcased Nichelle Lewis (Dorothy) and cast in the joyful classic “Ease On Down the Road,” spreading optimism and warmth through song.
How the Performances Were Produced
Every Broadway performance at the Macy’s Parade involves months of coordination between the production teams, NBC, and Macy’s Entertainment. Rehearsals began earlier in November, often held before dawn in chilly weather conditions.
Each number was pre-recorded for television sound earlier in the week to ensure clear broadcast quality, but the choreography and movement were performed live on Thanksgiving morning.
Performers danced atop temporary stages placed along Herald Square while floats and balloons moved along the 2.5-mile parade route. Despite 40-degree weather at showtime, the Broadway casts performed with signature precision and enthusiasm.
Other Musical Appearances and Highlights
In addition to the Broadway lineup, the 2025 parade featured performances by major recording artists, including:
- Jonas Brothers, performing their new holiday single “Home for the Holidays.”
- Meghan Trainor, singing “Made You Look” from her holiday re-release album.
- Noah Kahan, performing “Stick Season.”
But for theatre fans, the parade’s most anticipated tradition remains its Broadway showcase, marking the first time many viewers experience live theatre from their living rooms.
Broadway’s Strong Year Leading Into the Parade
The 2024–2025 Broadway season has been one of the strongest post-pandemic years yet. Ticket sales have exceeded $1.7 billion since spring 2024, supported by new shows and consistent attendance from both tourists and locals.
As of late November 2025, over 30 productions are running on Broadway, including blockbuster hits such as Hamilton, MJ the Musical, Hadestown, and SIX.
Participation in the Macy’s Parade offers these productions national exposure ahead of the busy holiday theater season — one of Broadway’s highest-grossing times of year.
Behind the Scenes: The Crew That Makes It Happen
Hundreds of technical experts, stagehands, and musicians contributed to the success of this year’s Broadway parade segment. NBC’s team worked alongside union stage managers to coordinate complex transitions between musical performances, floats, and balloon segments — all in real-time.
Performers began arriving at Herald Square before 5:00 a.m., with staging and costume checks running until broadcast time. Despite tight timing, every number aired seamlessly across NBC’s three-hour telecast.
Crowd Reactions and Nationwide Viewership
An estimated 3.5 million spectators lined the streets of Manhattan to watch the 2025 Macy’s Parade in person, while NBC’s broadcast drew an audience of over 24 million viewers. On Peacock, replay streams trended in the Top 5 for holiday programming throughout Thanksgiving weekend. Broadway Performances Macy’s Parade 2025
Social media engagement was especially high during the Broadway segments. Clips from Hell’s Kitchen and The Lion King collectively earned millions of views within hours on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Broadway Performances Macy’s Parade 2025
Why These Performances Matter to Broadway
For nearly 50 years, Broadway’s presence in the Macy’s Parade has been a symbol of cultural pride and theatrical endurance. Each year’s showcase introduces a new generation to the power of live performance while reminding the country of Broadway’s artistic diversity.
The parade also offers valuable promotion to productions during one of the industry’s most competitive sales periods. Families watching from across the country often plan their winter New York visits around the musicals they first see in this iconic broadcast.
Looking Ahead to the Parade’s Centennial
As the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, anticipation is already building for an even larger Broadway presence. With several new musicals scheduled to open in early 2026, next year’s performances are expected to expand further, featuring both classic revivals and groundbreaking new works.
For now, the 2025 event stands as one of the most polished, diverse, and joyful celebrations of Broadway ever broadcast to a national audience.
The magic of the parade may last just one morning, but the memory of those Broadway performances will keep inspiring fans long after the final float has passed. Which show was your favorite this year? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about this incredible celebration of theatre and holiday spirit.