Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 begins in Manhattan with 99th edition and musical stars; see where to watch live
The 99th edition of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began at 8:30 am (local time) this Thursday, November 27, 2025, on Nova York. The traditional event of Ação of Graças runs 4 kilometers through Manhattan, starting from West 77th Milhares of people follow the parade in person, while millions watch on television or streaming.
The route heads south to 59th Street, turns east at Sixth Avenue and ends at Macy’s main store, at Herald Square. This year’s edition features giant balloons, floats and live musical performances.
The live broadcast takes place on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30 am (ET), with a rerun at 2 pm on NBC. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, from “Today Show”, command the coverage.
An Medley of Abracadabra, Scheibe and Applause was presented at “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” in
— Projeto Gaga (@Projeto_Gaga) November 27, 2025
Parade route and time
The route starts at 8:30 am sharp on the corner of West 77th Street and Central Park West.
The route heads south to Columbus Circle, joins Sixth Avenue and ends in front of Macy’s Herald Square around noon.
Organizers recommend arriving early at the public viewing areas, available from 59th Street.
How to watch from home
NBC broadcasts the entire event nationally starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Simultaneous streaming is available on Peacock, with an immediate replay option.
For the first time, the broadcast includes live audio description on the SAP channel for people who are blind or have low vision.
Main musical attractions
More than 30 artists perform along the route. Entre the confirmed names are:
- Cynthia Erivo
- Ciara
- Lainey Wilson
- Bust Rhymes
- Kylie Minogue
- Teyana Taylor
- Jennifer Hudson
Bands like The Roots and performances by Radio City Rockettes are also part of the lineup.
Balloons and floats
The giant balloons return with classic characters such as Snoopy, Pikachu and Goku, as well as new ones.
Around 20 themed floats circulate in this year’s parade.
More than 5,000 volunteers participate in the operation of the balloons and security at the event.
Marching bands and performance groups
Ten marching bands from different American states perform on the route.
Groups of cheerleaders, dancers and performers complete the street attractions.
The 2025 edition maintains the hybrid format with an in-person audience available since 2021.
What’s new in the 2025 edition
Macy’s announced expanded accessibility with real-time audio description.
New balloons debut, including characters from recent animations.
The event marks the official start of the holiday season in Nova York and attracts around 3.5 million spectators on the streets.
