The 99th Edition of a Landmark Holiday Tradition Returns
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to return for its 99th year with an expanded celebration that combines classic elements, new performances, and an immersive visual experience along the streets of Manhattan. The event continues to be one of the most anticipated holiday traditions in the United States, drawing millions of viewers on television and thousands of spectators who gather along the parade route each year. With more than 5,000 volunteers contributing to the effort, the parade remains a large-scale production that blends entertainment, artistry, and holiday spirit.
This year’s lineup includes 34 balloons, 28 floats, 11 marching bands, and a diverse selection of musical performances. Featured entertainers include Cynthia Erivo, Darlene Love, Audrey Nuna, Ciara, Colbie Caillat, Busta Rhymes, Lil Jon, and the cast behind the animated musical hit K-Pop Demon Hunters. For audiences interested in Broadway, the parade will also feature numbers from Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime, as well as a special tribute marking the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes.
Visitors planning a broader New York experience can explore popular destinations like Times Square (https://www.timessquarenyc.org/), cultural offerings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (https://www.metmuseum.org/), or travel recommendations through NYC Tourism (https://www.nyctourism.com/) to enhance their trip.
Parade Route, Start Time, Viewing Spots, and Hosts
The parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. across all U.S. time zones on Thursday, November 27. The starting point remains West 77th Street and Central Park West, followed by the traditional 2.5-mile journey through Manhattan toward the finale at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store. Cynthia Erivo will kick off the festivities with an opening performance designed to set the tone for the rest of the celebration.
Spectators hoping to secure strong vantage points are encouraged to arrive as early as 6 a.m., especially in areas along West 59th to West 38th streets, where crowd density typically increases quickly. The parade route offers numerous opportunities to view the floats and balloons at close range, and visitors can plan their morning using an interactive map provided by the event organizers. For travelers exploring beyond the parade route, additional guidance is available through NYC.gov’s visitor section (https://www.nyc.gov/), which provides transportation updates and city services useful during high-traffic holiday periods.
Parade hosting duties will once again be led by Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker. Each host brings longstanding experience with the event, contributing to the sense of familiarity and comfort that defines the parade each Thanksgiving morning. Their presence helps maintain continuity for audiences who tune in year after year, reinforcing the parade’s significance as a multigenerational holiday tradition.
Performances, Balloons, and Special Features for 2025
This year introduces a blend of new balloons and iconic characters that have become emblematic of the parade over the past century. Ahead of the event’s 100th anniversary in 2026, Macy’s Studios will reintroduce several vintage balloon designs, including the Rainbow Trout, Greybow Trout, Happy Hippo, and Freida the Dachshund. At the same time, the parade welcomes new additions such as Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Shrek’s Onion Carriage, and Mario. Returning favorites include Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, Bluey, and the Pillsbury Doughboy.
Following Cynthia Erivo’s opening act, a long list of performers will take the stage near Macy’s flagship. The combination of musical artists, Broadway ensembles, dance groups, and marching bands is designed to offer a wide range of entertainment for audiences of all ages. After the parade concludes, viewers looking for additional holiday programs can enjoy the National Dog Show, which will air immediately after the parade.
For those who want more behind-the-scenes content, a primetime special will be broadcast the night before Thanksgiving. The program offers a closer look at float construction, balloon preparation, marching band rehearsals, and the overall production process that brings the parade to life each year.
