The holiday season will officially begin in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 27, when the 99th Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. The annual tradition, one of the most watched and economically influential events in the country, is expected to attract millions in person and tens of millions more on television and streaming services.<\/p>\n
For Macy\u2019s, the Parade remains both a cultural institution and a major brand platform. \u201cMacy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the official kickoff to the holiday season and has been part of the nation\u2019s stories and traditions for generations,\u201d said Will Coss, the event\u2019s executive producer. \u201cOn Thanksgiving morning, larger-than-life balloons, awe-inspiring floats and showstopping performances will create unforgettable moments and lasting memories.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s show features the daytime debut of EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR\/X from Netflix\u2019s KPop Demon Hunters<\/em>. Performances from Broadway\u2019s \u201cBuena Vista Social Club,\u201d \u201cJust in Time\u201d and \u201cRagtime\u201d will add to the spectacle, along with the return of the Radio City Rockettes, celebrating their 100th anniversary.<\/p>\n A lengthy list of entertainers will perform along the route, including Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Lu\u00edsa Sonza and Teyana Taylor. Additional appearances include Nikki DeLoach, Olympic skater Ilia Malinin, actor Kristoffer Polaha, Paralympian Jack Wallace and special correspondent Sean Evans. Young influencer Taylen Biggs will serve as Macy\u2019s social media host during the event.<\/p>\n More than 5,000 volunteers will support the 2025 Parade, which will include 32 balloons, three balloonicles, 27 floats, four specialty units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, and performance groups, all leading up to Santa Claus\u2019s arrival at Herald Square.<\/p>\n Macy\u2019s Studios will debut several large-scale creative additions, including new character balloons representing Buzz Lightyear from Pixar, PAC-MAN from Bandai Namco Entertainment America, the Onion Carriage from DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Shrek, and Mario from Nintendo. Mid-sized balloons and balloonicles from KPop Demon Hunters<\/em> will also join the lineup.<\/p>\n Six new floats will appear for the first time: The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder by Holland America Line; Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by The LEGO Group; Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt; Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things by Netflix; Friends-giving in POPCITY by Pop Mart; and The Counting Sheep\u2019s Dream Generator by Serta. The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse will add new balloonicle elements this year. These floats will be towed by Ram Trucks, the official truck of the Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade.<\/p>\n With the 100th Parade approaching in 2026, Macy\u2019s will reintroduce beloved historic balloon elements, including Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, the Happy Hippo Triple Stack, Wigglefoot and Freida the Dachshund. A new collaboration with Goldfish will also be featured.<\/p>\n Big Brothers Big Sisters matches will lead the Parade on the Tom Turkey float, continuing Macy\u2019s Mission Every One social impact initiative, which has raised more than $13 million since 2022.<\/p>\n Student musicians from across the United States and abroad will participate, including Banda de Musica La Primavera from Panama; Catawba Ridge High School from South Carolina; Damien Spartan Regiment from California; L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band from Texas; Macy\u2019s Great American Marching Band; Northern Arizona University Lumberjack Marching Band; Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite from Alcorn State University; Spartans Jr Drum and Bugle Corps from New Hampshire; The Marching Pride of North Alabama; The Temple University Diamond Band; and the NYPD Marching Band.<\/p>\n Choreographer Mia Michaels will create routines for the arrivals of Tom Turkey and Santa Claus, along with five featured floats. Additional groups include A CHORUS LINE: The Next Generation, Circus Vazquez, Ronald K. Brown\/EVIDENCE, I LOVE DANCE, MOVE NYC, Native Pride Productions, Star Track Cycling and a combined 1,200 dancers and cheerleaders from Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer.<\/p>\n Macy\u2019s will offer a range of Parade-themed merchandise, including collectible ornaments, snow globes, apparel and home d\u00e9cor. Seasonal collaborations featuring Disney, Marvel, PAC-MAN and Serta will be available in stores and online. A Pop Mart pop-up will operate inside Macy\u2019s Herald Square flagship.<\/p>\n Through Dec. 2, customers can enter a Parade sweepstakes via the Macy\u2019s app for a chance to win prizes throughout the season. One winner will receive a VIP trip to the 100th Parade in 2026 and a $5,000 shopping spree with a Macy\u2019s Personal Stylist.<\/p>\n The Parade will broadcast live on NBC and Peacock at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, with an encore at 2 p.m. A Spanish-language simulcast will air on Telemundo. \u201cCountdown to the Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade\u201d will be broadcast live the night before, offering behind-the-scenes access. NBCUniversal will again provide live audio description for blind and visually impaired audiences.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s route begins at West 77th Street and ends at Herald Square. Public viewing, managed by the NYPD, will be available along designated sections of the route. Spectators should avoid bringing large bags, umbrellas, backpacks and strollers, and may be subject to security screening.<\/p>\nNew Balloons, New Floats and a Nod to Parade History<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Bands, Choreography and Performing Arts Groups<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Holiday Retail Tie-Ins and Special Experiences<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Watch and What to Expect<\/strong><\/h2>\n