The excitement is already building for Thanksgiving morning, and many viewers are preparing to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as it returns on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The upcoming event marks the 99th year of this holiday tradition, bringing new balloons, fresh performances, and thousands of participants to New York City.
This year’s parade features updated timing, a packed performer list, and several new character balloons that fans will see for the first time. The information below reflects the most current verified details available as of today.
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When and How to Watch the 2025 Parade
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time and continues until around noon. Viewers across the United States can watch it live on NBC or through Peacock’s streaming platform. An encore broadcast airs later in the afternoon, giving families another chance to enjoy the show as holiday gatherings get underway.
Those attending in person should expect large crowds along the route. Spectators typically arrive before sunrise to secure a good view, especially near the performance areas.
The 2025 Parade Route
The parade follows the same iconic path used in recent years. It starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West, then travels south alongside Central Park.
Key points along the route include:
- Central Park West between 77th Street and 59th Street
- Sixth Avenue from 59th Street to 34th Street
- Herald Square, directly in front of Macy’s flagship store, where main televised performances take place
This consistent route allows for predictable viewing zones and helps organizers coordinate safety, staging, and crowd management.
Major Highlights for 2025
Organizers confirmed a lineup that includes:
- 34 giant character balloons
- 28 signature floats
- 11 marching bands from high schools and colleges across the U.S.
- 33 clown groups
- Multiple specialty units and performance ensembles
These numbers make the 2025 edition one of the largest in recent years.
New Balloons Debuting This Year
Fans will see several high-profile new balloon characters in 2025:
- Buzz Lightyear, showcasing a fresh design for the space ranger
- Mario, bringing the Nintendo icon to the parade skies
- PAC-MAN, celebrating a classic game character’s cultural legacy
- A Shrek-themed onion-carriage balloon-float hybrid, adding humor and imagination to the lineup
These additions are among the most anticipated attractions and were widely spotlighted during early previews.
Returning Favorites
While new balloons draw attention, long-time favorites remain essential to the parade’s charm. Characters that regularly fly in the lineup, such as Snoopy and Pikachu, are expected to return in 2025 alongside several established parade floats.
Float Designs and Creative Teams
Macy’s Parade Studio creates new floats every year using a combination of engineering, sculpting, painting, and special effects. For 2025, new floats include collaborations with entertainment brands and family-oriented companies.
Popular returning floats feature winter themes, children’s fantasy worlds, and musical showpieces that offer visual depth and large-scale design.
Performer Lineup Confirmed for 2025
This year’s parade includes a mix of global stars, holiday performers, and Broadway casts. Among the confirmed appearances:
- Cynthia Erivo, who opens the parade with a lead performance
- Lainey Wilson, bringing country energy to the celebration
- Multiple Broadway casts from current shows, performing at Herald Square
- Additional musical guests, supporting the family-friendly theme of the event
The final moments of the parade, as always, feature the arrival of Santa Claus, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season across the U.S.
Balloon Inflation Event on November 26
The pre-parade balloon inflation is one of New York’s most beloved Thanksgiving-week traditions. It takes place on Wednesday, November 26, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
Visitors gather around the Upper West Side near 77th Street and Central Park West to watch the giant balloons come to life. This preview event draws thousands of families, tourists, and parade enthusiasts each year.
Expected Crowd Conditions
New York officials anticipate significant crowds for the 2025 parade. Sections near Central Park West and Herald Square tend to fill first. Barriers, police presence, and clearly marked entries help maintain safe viewing conditions.
To avoid congestion, many local attendees choose to stand along Sixth Avenue, where the route offers more open space and easier access by subway.
Weather Outlook and Safety Measures
Weather details for Thanksgiving Day will be updated closer to the event. However, parade organizers prepare for a range of conditions, including wind monitoring for balloon safety. Giant balloons can be grounded or lowered if wind speeds reach designated thresholds.
Medical tents, warming areas, and mobile command posts remain part of standard parade safety planning.
Why the Parade Remains Important to Families Nationwide
For many U.S. households, watching the parade signals the start of the holiday season. Families celebrate tradition, nostalgia, and a shared national experience that blends entertainment with community spirit.
The parade continues to grow with new cultural icons, diverse performers, and creative designs. Each year feels familiar, yet refreshed — keeping the tradition strong heading into its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Tips for Viewers Watching at Home
If you’re planning to watch from your living room:
- Tune in by 8:30 a.m. ET for the best view of the musical opening.
- Use a reliable streaming connection if watching on Peacock.
- Keep the parade on through noon to catch Santa’s finale.
- Enhance the experience with holiday breakfast traditions like cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa, or pastries.
Tips for Those Attending in Person
For on-site viewers:
- Arrive early, ideally before 6:30 a.m.
- Dress warmly, layer clothing, and bring hats and gloves.
- Use public transit to avoid traffic restrictions.
- Pack snacks and water, as vendors are limited along the secured route.
- Charge phones and keep backup batteries handy for photos.
What Makes 2025 Stand Out
This year’s combination of new balloons, expanded performer lineup, and strong national interest ensures a memorable spectacle. Viewership is expected to rise due to the parade’s continued cultural relevance and growing streaming accessibility.
Families planning to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year can expect a polished production filled with color, music, nostalgia, and giant character icons that reflect almost a century of celebration.
Share your thoughts below and tell us which new balloon or performer you’re most excited to see this year!