The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to New York City on Thursday, November 27, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern. The 99th edition of this iconic American holiday tradition will once again bring giant balloons, celebrity performances, marching bands, and millions of viewers across the U.S. together to kick off the festive season. The parade remains one of the most-watched holiday broadcasts in the country and will air live nationwide on NBC and stream on Peacock.
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What to Expect from the 2025 Parade
The 2025 parade will deliver a full lineup of large character balloons, detailed floats, Broadway ensembles, and popular musical artists. This year’s spectacle includes several newly introduced balloons and also welcomes back many fan favorites from previous years.
Key highlights include:
- More than 30 giant character balloons
- Dozens of floats representing brands, entertainment franchises, and holiday themes
- Eleven marching bands from across the U.S.
- Thousands of volunteers guiding balloons and specialty units
- Full live coverage hosted by NBC’s familiar Today anchors
The parade continues to strengthen its reputation as the unofficial launch of the holiday season, drawing enthusiastic crowds to Manhattan and millions more watching from home.
Parade Date, Time, and Broadcast Information
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern
Expected End Time: Around noon Eastern
TV Broadcast: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
Spanish Simulcast: Telemundo
NBC will air the parade live in all U.S. time zones, while Peacock will stream the entire event for viewers who prefer online access. Telemundo will provide a full Spanish-language simulcast.
Full Parade Route and Viewing Locations
The parade follows a 2.5-mile path through Manhattan:
- Step-off begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West.
- The parade travels south along Central Park West to Columbus Circle.
- It continues east along Central Park South.
- Then it moves down Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas).
- The finale concludes at Herald Square directly in front of Macy’s flagship store.
Best public viewing spots include:
- Central Park West between West 75th and West 61st Streets
- Portions of Sixth Avenue, especially between 59th and the mid-40s
- Areas further away from broadcast zones, which offer more accessible curb space
Areas near the starting line, Columbus Circle, Central Park South, and Herald Square are restricted or blocked for production and security. Visitors hoping to secure a good viewing location typically arrive between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Balloon Inflation Event the Night Before
The annual Balloon Inflation Ceremony draws thousands the day before Thanksgiving.
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Location: Around the American Museum of Natural History, near West 79th Street and Central Park West
Visitors can walk through designated streets to see the massive balloons being inflated. The event is free, family-friendly, and usually runs through the afternoon and early evening.
New Balloons and Floats in 2025
Each year introduces new balloon designs based on entertainment icons, animated characters, and major pop culture franchises.
New additions expected for the 2025 parade include:
- Buzz Lightyear
- PAC-MAN
- Mario
- A Shrek-themed Onion Carriage balloon
Returning favorites expected to appear:
- Bluey
- Beagle Scout Snoopy
- Spider-Man
- Pikachu & Eevee
- Goku
- Luffy from One Piece
Floats also receive new entries and redesigns each year. For 2025, new float concepts highlight popular brands, streaming shows, holiday stories, and winter-themed landscapes.
Performers, Hosts, and Entertainment
The broadcast will once again be led by longtime NBC Today anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. The entertainment lineup includes a mix of chart-topping musicians, classical performers, celebrity guests, and multiple Broadway casts performing scenes from current productions.
Expected elements include:
- Live musical numbers from well-known recording artists
- Performances from select Broadway shows
- Appearances by the Radio City Rockettes
- High-energy routines from cheer teams and cultural performance groups
The finale of the parade marks the arrival of Santa Claus at Herald Square, bringing the event to a festive close.
Watching the Parade: In-Person Tips and At-Home Options
If you plan to attend in person:
- Arrive early—well before sunrise—to secure a strong viewpoint.
- Dress warmly and prepare for limited restroom access.
- Follow all street-closure signs and security instructions from NYPD officers.
For viewers watching from home:
- NBC remains the primary broadcast network.
- Peacock offers live and on-demand streaming.
- Telemundo provides full live coverage in Spanish.
Millions of Americans watch the macy’s thanksgiving day parade from home each year, making the event one of the most cherished holiday traditions in the country.
A Milestone Year Before the Centennial
Although the first parade debuted in 1924, three World War II–era cancellations make 2025 the 99th official parade. The upcoming 100th edition in 2026 is expected to deliver a historic celebration, so 2025 serves as a major lead-up year with heightened interest and anticipation.
Share your favorite parade moment in the comments and tell others how you’ll be watching this year’s event.
