The holiday season is set to launch in spectacular fashion as the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to New York City on November 27. The beloved tradition is rolling out its biggest sights and sounds yet, combining all-new character balloons and floats with a star-powered music lineup and Broadway showcases.
“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, executive producer of the Parade. “On Thanksgiving morning, larger-than-life character balloons, awe-inspiring floats and showstopping performances will create unforgettable moments and lasting holiday memories for millions of spectators in New York City and across the country.”
Backed by more than 5,000 volunteers, this year’s event features 32 balloons, 27 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands—a scale designed to meet the moment. More than 31 million viewers tuned in last year, and with this lineup, the Parade is poised to draw even more eyes.
How To Watch & Who’s Hosting
NBC’s Today trio will once again lead the broadcast, with Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker anchoring alongside Hoda Kotb, who returns to the holiday coverage after stepping away from the network earlier this year. The Parade airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET, giving viewers across the country a front-row seat to the action.
From Columbus Circle to Herald Square, the three-and-a-half hour telecast will capture marching bands, musical guests, and the signature balloon flyover, culminating in the high-energy finale as Santa ushers in the season.
Music Lineup & Broadway Highlights
The main-stage performances read like a pop culture playlist. Cast members from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters—Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami—will perform in character as the fictional girl group HUNTR/X, bringing a screen-to-street moment to the parade route.
They’re joined by an eclectic roster of major artists including Ciara, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Matteo Bocelli, Mickey Guyton, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Jewel, Busta Rhymes, Foreigner, Shaggy, and Teyana Taylor. Broadway fans will also see familiar faces, with Meg Donnelly and Christopher Jackson delivering theatrical flair alongside the casts of Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime.
As always, the Radio City Rockettes bring precision and sparkle to Thanksgiving morning—and this year marks an extra special milestone. Celebrating their 100th anniversary, the legendary troupe returns to center stage, joined by EVIDENCE Dance Company, Native Pride Productions, Circus Vazquez, and A Chorus Line: The Next Generation, led by original cast member Baayork Lee.
New Balloons, Bigger Floats, Same Holiday Magic
Look up: the skies over Manhattan are getting a few new icons. Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story), PAC-MAN, and Mario (Super Mario Bros.) are set to make high-flying debuts, joined by an enormous 32-foot Shrek onion carriage showcasing eight fan-favorite characters. Longtime Parade watchers can also look forward to returning favorites including Rainbow Trout, Wigglefoot, and Freida the Dachshund.
The floats are just as imaginative. New arrivals include The Land of Ice & Wonder (Holland America), Brick-tastic Winter Mountain (LEGO), Master Chocolatier Ballroom (Lindt), Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things (Netflix), Friends-giving in POPCITY (Pop Mart), and The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator (Serta). Keep an eye out for LABUBU among the Pop Mart celebration, one of several playful touches threaded throughout this year’s designs.
Legacy builds are also getting upgrades, with fresh collaborations adding modern twists to familiar staples. Highlights include a Goldfish Crackers float and Elf on the Shelf’s Santaverse, both designed to blend brand-centric creativity with the Parade’s storytelling DNA.
Bands, Pageantry & Can’t-Miss Moments
Marching bands from across the United States—and one traveling all the way from Panama—will bring high-energy sounds to the route, alongside the NYPD Marching Band. The musical pageantry is a core Parade pillar, bridging local pride with national spotlight as each ensemble tackles choreography, medleys, and big-brass arrangements built for live TV.
Dance remains another major showcase. More than 1,200 dancers and cheerleaders from Spirit of America Dance and Cheer will take part, filling the streets with synchronized sets and large-scale formations designed to wow both curbside crowds and viewers at home.
From the first notes on Central Park West to the finale at 34th Street, the 99th edition aims to honor tradition while making room for timely pop culture moments. That balance—between legacy and newness—continues to define why the Parade remains an essential piece of the holiday calendar.
With a broadcast that blends music, theater, spectacle, and family-friendly nostalgia, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is positioned to deliver everything fans expect—and plenty they don’t see coming. Whether you’re lining the route in Manhattan or tuning in with coffee and pie, the Parade is ready to kick off the season in unmistakable style.
