The iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is poised to make a spectacular return to the streets of New York City on Thursday, 27 November 2025. This beloved annual tradition promises a host of new attractions, including four brand-new character balloons and several imaginative floats, set against a backdrop of live musical performances from artists like Conan Gray and Lainey Wilson.
How and When to Watch the Festivities
The procession is scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast live across all US time zones at that moment. For viewers in the United Kingdom keen to follow the event, the primary broadcaster is NBC, accessible via cable, satellite, or a simple television antenna.
For those who have moved away from traditional television services, a simulcast will be available on the streaming platform Peacock, with an encore presentation starting at 2 p.m. EST. A Spanish-language broadcast will also be provided by Telemundo.
The parade's popularity continues to soar, with last year's television and streaming audience surging by 10 per cent to a record-breaking 31 million viewers.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Performers
The entertainment schedule is packed with a diverse array of talent. The moving musical showcase will be kicked off by Cynthia Erivo, star of Wicked, with further performances from singers Conan Gray and Lainey Wilson.
They will be joined by an eclectic mix of artists including Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, and Kool & the Gang. Broadway will be well-represented by casts from productions such as Buena Vista Social Club and Ragtime, while the legendary Radio City Rockettes will also make an appearance.
Adding to the variety, the lineup features figures from ballet, YouTube, and sport, such as dancer Tiler Peck, Hot Ones host Sean Evans, and champion figure skater Ilia Malinin.
New Balloons and Flights of Fancy
A major highlight each year is the collection of giant character balloons, and 2025 introduces four new featured additions. Look to the skies for the debut of Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario from Super Mario Brothers, and a towering 32-foot balloon onion carriage populated by characters from Shrek.
The parade will also feature several new floats making their first appearance. These include a vibrant entry from Pop Mart and floats sponsored by Lego, Lindt, and a Stranger Things-themed float featuring the band Foreigner. In a charming detail, the snack Goldfish returns with a uniquely small float measuring just 14 crackers in length.
The procession will be a massive undertaking, featuring 34 balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands, all building up to the grand arrival of Santa Claus, who signals the official start of the holiday season.
The event will proceed rain or shine, marching from Manhattan's Upper West Side to its traditional conclusion at Macy's flagship Herald Square store. Weather forecasts predict a partly cloudy day with highs of 48°F (9°C), with city regulations in place to ground the large balloons if winds become too strong.
