Your Ultimate Guide to the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

There is a moment each Thanksgiving morning, perhaps as the scent of cinnamon begins to waft from the kitchen or the first chill of autumn bites outside, when millions across the nation gather.

We huddle, coffee in hand, eyes glued to the screen.

For some, it is a living room ritual stretching back decades; for others, it is the annual pilgrimage to Manhattan, jostling for a glimpse of the spectacle.

A shared anticipation hangs in the air, a collective breath held for the iconic balloons, the vibrant floats, and the joyous sounds that herald the start of the holiday season.

This feeling of warmth, comfort, and shared memory is the very heartbeat of the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade.

It is more than just a march down a city street; it is a tapestry woven from family, tradition, and pure, unadulterated joy.

Why This Matters Now: A Beloved National Tradition

This venerable tradition, now in its 99th year, continues to be a cornerstone of American holiday celebrations.

Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials for NBCUniversal Entertainment, encapsulates its enduring appeal: The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade brings families together like nothing else on television and remains a beloved tradition for millions (NPR, 2025).

It is an event that seamlessly blends grand-scale entertainment with intimate, personal memories, making it a pivotal moment in the yearly calendar.

The immense undertaking involves over 5,000 volunteers, 34 balloons, 28 floats, and 11 marching bands, all converging to create a truly spectacular experience (NPR, 2025).

This blend of tradition and continuous innovation ensures the parade remains fresh and exciting, year after year.

In short: The 99th Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, on November 27, 2025, promises a grand spectacle with new and returning balloons, celebrity performances, and broadcasts on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo, uniting families nationwide.

A Century of Tradition: The Parades Rich History

To truly appreciate the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, we must cast our minds back to its beginnings.

It first debuted as the Macys Christmas Parade in 1924, not merely as a celebration, but as a clever marketing initiative to boost the department stores holiday sales (NPR, 1924).

The inaugural march to its flagship store in Herald Square featured an array of live animals from the Central Park Zoo, a sight both thrilling and, as it turned out, problematic.

This early reliance on live lions, tigers, and even bears quickly proved unsustainable.

By 1927, safety concerns led organizers to replace the real animals with what would become the parades most iconic element: the colossal, helium-filled balloons (NPR, 1927).

This shift from roaring beasts to towering cartoon characters was a stroke of genius, transforming a marketing gimmick into a whimsical, fantastical spectacle.

This years parade continues that legacy, featuring not only beloved characters like Minnie Mouse and Spiderman but also reintroducing historic balloon elements from earlier parades, such as Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, the Happy Hippo, and Freida the Dachshund (NPR, 2025).

This constant evolution, while honoring its roots, is a key to the parades lasting appeal.

When and Where to Catch the Spectacle

This year, the 99th Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade promises another unforgettable experience.

It all kicks off at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on Thursday, November 27, 2025 (NPR, 2025).

For those fortunate enough to experience it live in New York City, the 2.5-mile journey begins on West 77th Street and Central Park West, culminating at Macys Herald Square flagship.

If you are planning to join the throngs of live spectators, an early start is crucial; people typically begin lining up around 6 a.m.

The best viewing points are generally along West 59th to West 38th streets.

However, for most of us, the comfort of home offers the best seat in the house.

You can catch the parade live on NBC and Peacock, with an encore airing on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT.

For Spanish-speaking audiences, Telemundo will offer a simulcast starting at 8:30 a.m., hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow.

In a commitment to accessibility, a full NBC broadcast will also be available on the SAP (Secondary Audio Program) channel for blind and visually impaired viewers (NPR, 2025).

And do not forget, right after the parade on NBC at 12 p.m., the National Dog Show airs for even more festive fun.

On-Air Hosts and Star-Studded Performances

The familiar faces and voices guiding us through the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade are as much a part of the tradition as the balloons themselves.

Returning to co-host for her eighth time is former NBC Today host Hoda Kotb, alongside Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker.

Kotb perfectly articulates the sentiment many viewers share, telling NPR, It just feels like home.

Every year, Macys ups the game (NPR, 2025).

Her enthusiasm for both the surprises and the unchanging comfort of the event is palpable.

She cherishes that feeling of a warm blanket and all those memories that come along with the parade and its annual traditions (NPR, 2025).

The parades entertainment lineup is always a highlight.

This year, Cynthia Erivo, the Tony, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning star of Wicked, will commence the festivities with a show-stopping opening number.

Following her, a diverse array of talent will perform in front of Macys, including EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI (the trio behind the Netflix megahit KPop Demon Hunters), Darlene Love, Ciara, Colbie Caillat, Lil Jon, and Busta Rhymes.

Broadway will also be represented with performances from productions such as Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime.

The iconic Rockettes will celebrate their 100th anniversary with a special, high-kicking performance.

As is tradition, Santa Claus and his reindeer-pulled sleigh will close the parade, officially ushering in the holiday season (NPR, 2025).

New and Returning Favorites: Balloons and Floats

The true stars of the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade are, arguably, the balloons and floats.

This years event promises a delightful mix of fresh faces and beloved classics.

Ahead of the parades 100th anniversary in 2026, Macys Studios is reintroducing historic balloon elements from the earliest parades.

Keep an eye out for the nostalgic charm of Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, the Happy Hippo, and Freida the Dachshund, making a return.

Joining the lineup of 32 balloons are several exciting newcomers that are sure to thrill audiences of all ages: Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Shreks Onion Carriage, and Mario.

These contemporary additions stand alongside familiar favorites that have become household staples, including Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Pillsbury Doughboy, and Bluey (NPR, 2025).

This thoughtful curation ensures that while new generations discover their own favorites, the timeless characters continue to bring smiles to those who have watched for decades.

This blend of novelty and nostalgia is essential to the parades appeal, ensuring its place as a dynamic and evolving holiday tradition.

Optimizing Your Parade Experience: Planning and Viewing Tools

To make the most of your Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade experience, whether from the bustling streets of New York City or the cozy comfort of your home, a little planning goes a long way.

This event is a celebration of family entertainment and cultural traditions, and leveraging available tools can significantly enhance your enjoyment.

For those considering attending in person, checking local NYC event guides for up-to-date viewing maps and crowd management information is advisable.

Remember that spectators often arrive by 6 a.m. to secure prime spots (NPR, 2025).

For at-home viewers, setting alarms for the 8:30 a.m. start time in your local zone will ensure you do not miss Cynthia Erivos opening performance (NPR, 2025).

Utilize streaming services like Peacock or the NBC app for mobile viewing, allowing flexibility if you are on the go during Thanksgiving morning.

If you appreciate a deeper dive, tune into the Countdown to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade special on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, for a behind-the-scenes look at the floats, balloons, and bands before they make their grand appearance (NPR, 2025).

For multi-generational households, ensure you know which channel (NBC, Peacock, or Telemundo for Spanish-language) meets everyones viewing preferences.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade

Q: When is the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2025?

A: The parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on Thursday, November 27, 2025 (NPR, 2025).

Q: How can I watch the parade from home?

A: You can watch live on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, with an encore airing on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT.

Telemundo will also offer a Spanish-language simulcast (NPR, 2025).

Q: Who are the hosts for this years parade?

A: Former NBC Today host Hoda Kotb will co-host for her eighth time, alongside Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker (NPR, 2025).

Q: What new balloons and floats will be featured?

A: New balloons include Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Shreks Onion Carriage, and Mario.

Historic balloon elements like Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, Happy Hippo, and Freida the Dachshund will also be reintroduced (NPR, 2025).

Q: Can I watch a behind-the-scenes special before Thanksgiving Day?

A: Yes, NBC and Peacock will air the primetime special Countdown to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, broadcast live from the parades starting point (NPR, 2025).

Glossary of Key Terms

• Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade: An annual parade in New York City, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season, known for its large balloons and floats.
• SAP (Secondary Audio Program) Channel: An audio channel used for alternative language tracks or accessibility features like audio descriptions.
• Macys Herald Square: The flagship Macys department store in Manhattan, serving as the parades endpoint.

Conclusion

As the 99th Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade approaches, the familiar excitement builds, much like it has for generations.

It is a powerful reminder that some traditions, carefully nurtured and thoughtfully updated, continue to hold a special place in our collective heart.

From its origins as a savvy retail promotion to its current status as a global live broadcast event, the parade has always been about more than just balloons and celebrities; it is about shared moments, the joy of wonder, and the warmth of togetherness on a day meant for gratitude.

So, whether you are planning to brave the New York crowds or snuggle up on your couch, remember the rich history and meticulous effort behind every smile and every soaring character.

This Thanksgiving, let the parade be that comforting blanket, weaving new memories into the fabric of cherished family traditions.

Make your plans now, and join millions in celebrating this enduring slice of Americana.

References

NPR.

How to watch the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade.

2025-11-26.