The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season on Thursday (Nov. 27), at 8:30 a.m. ET (2200 GMT). This annual New York tradition brings together millions of spectators along the parade route and on television across the country to celebrate the season with larger-than-life balloons, elaborate floats and star-studded performances.
How to watch
Fans across the US can watch the parade live on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30am ET, with an encore at 2pm ET/PT.
“TODAY” returns as hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. Spanish-language viewers can tune in on Telemundo, hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow. In addition, NBCUniversal will provide live audio description for blind and visually impaired viewers through the SAP channel.
Performers and celebrity guests
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day 2025 lineup features top musical talent and Broadway stars including Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Shaggy, Teyana Taylor, Lil Jon, Foreigner, Mickey Guyton, Jewel and many more. Special appearances will feature Olympians Ilia Malinin and Jack Wallace, along with social media correspondent Taylen Biggs, who will provide behind-the-scenes coverage for Macy’s social platforms.
Balloons and floats
This year, spectators will enjoy 32 balloons, 3 balloons, 27 floats and 4 special units, including new balloons such as Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Mario and Shrek’s Onion Carriage. Debuting floats include LEGO’s Brick-tastic Winter Mountain, Lindt’s Master Chocolatier Ballroom, Netflix’s Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things, and Pop Mart’s Friends-giving in POPCITY.
Classic features from past parades, such as the rainbow and gray trout and the Happy Hippo Triple Stack, will also return.
Marching bands and performance groups
More than 11 marching bands and multiple performance groups from across the country will participate, including the NYCPD Marching Band, Macy’s Great American Marching Band, Damien Spartan Regiment and The Temple University Diamond Band. Choreographer Mia Michaels will create rousing routines with the Macy’s House Dancers, and performers from A Chorus Line: The Next Generation, Circus Vazquez and Spirit of America Dance & Cheer will add excitement.
Special moments and lotteries
The parade also features community initiatives, including Big Brothers Big Sisters leading the iconic Tom Turkey float. Macy’s is offering parade-themed collectibles, exclusive merchandise and a first-of-its-kind lottery on the Macy’s app with a grand prize that includes a VIP trip to the 100th parade in 2026 and a $5,000 Macy’s shopping spree.
Route and public viewing
The Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 77th Street in Manhattan and travels a 3.5 mile route to Herald Square. Public viewing is available on designated streets with security checks. Spectators are advised to avoid carrying large bags, umbrellas or strollers.
Countdown special
On Wednesday, November 26 at 8:00 PM ET, NBC and Peacock will air “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the floats, balloons and performers leading up to the big day.
