The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Everything You Need To Know For 2025
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is America's most cherished holiday tradition, a colossal spectacle that officially kicks off the holiday season for millions across the nation. As of today, December 19, 2025, excitement is already building for the 99th annual procession, which promises to be one of the biggest and most dazzling in its nearly century-long history.
This comprehensive guide provides all the essential, up-to-date information for the 2025 event, from the new giant helium balloons floating over Manhattan to the complete list of A-list performers and the best spots to catch the action live in New York City. Get ready for the floats, the marching bands, the famous clown groups, and the grand arrival of Santa Claus!
The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Essential 2025 Details
The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled to take place on Thanksgiving Day, continuing its tradition as a cornerstone of the holiday.
- Official Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025.
- Start Time: The parade officially steps off at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
- End Time: The broadcast concludes at 12:00 p.m. ET.
- Location: Manhattan, New York City.
- Television Broadcast: The entire event is broadcast live nationally on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
The parade is a massive undertaking, featuring a dazzling lineup of entertainment. The 2025 spectacle is set to include 18 giant helium balloons, 33 mid-sized balloons, 27 detailed floats, 33 clown groups, 11 elite marching bands, and nine distinct performance groups.
The Official 2025 Parade Route and Best Viewing Spots
The iconic 2.5-mile route through Manhattan is a time-honored path that allows millions of spectators to gather and witness the spectacle.
The procession begins on the Upper West Side and makes its way down to Macy's Herald Square, the department store's flagship location, where the parade officially concludes.
- Start Point: West 77th Street and Central Park West (UWS). Note: Public viewing is not permitted at the official starting line.
- First Leg: The parade travels south along Central Park West. Early birds can find great spots here between 77th and 59th Streets.
- Mid-Parade Turn: The route turns at Columbus Circle and proceeds east onto Central Park South.
- Main Stretch: The parade then turns south onto 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), which is the longest and most popular public viewing area.
- Best Viewing: The stretch of 6th Avenue between West 59th Street and West 38th Street is highly recommended for spectators. Arriving early, often before 6:30 a.m., is crucial for a prime spot.
- End Point: The parade concludes at Macy's Herald Square (34th Street). Viewing is highly restricted and often reserved for ticketed guests and media in this final block.
New Giant Balloons and Dazzling Floats for 2025
The giant character balloons are, without a doubt, the most anticipated element of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Each year, new characters are introduced, joining classics like Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants. The 2025 lineup features several exciting new additions and beloved returning favorites.
New giant balloons making their debut in the 99th Annual Parade include:
- Buzz Lightyear: Representing the beloved Pixar franchise "Toy Story."
- Derpy Tiger: A new character from the animated series "KPop Demon Hunters."
- Mario: The iconic Nintendo plumber, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- PAC-Man: The classic video game hero, making a nostalgic appearance.
The floats—elaborate, multi-story moving stages—are another visual treat. Each of the 27 floats is sponsored by a major brand and is meticulously designed to showcase intricate themes, often featuring the live musical performers. The artistry and engineering required to move these massive structures through the streets of New York City is a spectacle in itself.
The Star-Studded Lineup: Performers, Bands, and Celebrity Appearances
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is as much a music festival as it is a procession. The floats serve as stages for some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, performing for both the live audience and the tens of millions of viewers watching on NBC and Peacock.
While the full, final lineup is subject to change, the initial announcements for the 2025 parade include a diverse and exciting roster of talent:
- Pop & R&B Stars: Ciara and Lil Jon.
- Broadway Royalty: Cynthia Erivo, star of "Wicked: For Good."
- Vocalists & Songwriters: Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Conan Gray, and Mickey Guyton.
- Rock Legends: The classic rock band Foreigner and pop icon Debbie Gibson.
In addition to the celebrity performers, the parade features the nation's best high school and college marching bands, specialty performance groups, and the famous Macy's Singing Christmas Tree. The energy and precision of the 11 marching bands are a highlight for many viewers, providing the soundtrack for the entire 2.5-mile route.
The Fascinating History and Enduring Tradition of America's Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a marketing event; it is a deep-rooted American custom that has evolved significantly since its inception.
From Zoo Animals to Giant Helium Balloons
The parade began in 1924, though it was originally called the Macy's Christmas Parade. It was organized by Macy's employees, many of whom were first-generation immigrants eager to celebrate their new American holiday with the kind of festival they remembered from Europe.
The first parades featured floats, costumes, and—surprisingly—live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo, including elephants, camels, and bears. The noise of the animals was so frightening to children that in 1927, the real animals were replaced with the first giant character balloons, starting with Felix the Cat.
Early balloons were designed to be released into the sky at the end of the parade, with a return address tag and a reward for anyone who found and returned them. This tradition ended due to safety concerns after a near-miss with an airplane.
Kicking Off the Holiday Shopping Season
The parade quickly became a clever and effective brand marketing event, establishing itself as the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season. The final float, featuring Santa Claus arriving at Herald Square, symbolizes the transition from Thanksgiving feasting to the festive rush of gift-buying. This tradition has cemented the parade's status in American culture, making it a must-watch event for over 50 million television viewers annually.
Whether you plan to brave the crowds in Manhattan or watch from the comfort of your home on NBC or Peacock, the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a morning of unparalleled joy, nostalgia, and spectacular entertainment that truly embodies the spirit of the American holiday season.
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