2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Complete Spectator's Guide

On November 27, 2025, New York City will once again host one of the most vibrant events of autumn: the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which turns 99 this year. This isn't just a parade—millions of Americans view it as the start of the holiday season, complete with orchestras, Broadway numbers, giant balloons, and the traditional Santa Claus appearance at the end. The main details of the upcoming parade were published by Broadway World.

When and where are balloons inflated?

On Wednesday, November 26, the day before the holiday, Manhattan will host the annual Macy's Balloon Inflation Celebration, the moment when giant balloons come to life for the first time in front of the public.

• time: from 13:00 to 18:00 (the queue opens at 12:00);
• Location: Intersection of 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.

Thousands of locals and tourists gather here to witness with their own eyes how the famous heroes are slowly filled with helium and prepared to take to the skies the next morning.

Parade route and time

The parade will begin on November 27 at 8:30 a.m. local time and last until noon.

The total length of the route is about 4 kilometers.

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The column's route:

• starting from the intersection of 77th Street and Central Park West;
• The procession will proceed to Columbus Circle, then along Central Park South and 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas);
• finish at 34th Street & 7th Avenue, across from Macy's Herald Square.

Organizers advise avoiding areas between West 34th and West 38th Streets on 6th Avenue and West 34th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, where the view is blocked by television cameras.

New balls for 2025

According to New York PostFour new giant balloons, featuring characters from modern animation and video games, have already completed test flights over MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

• Buzz Lightyear, from Pixar Animation Studios and the Toy Story franchise, will lead the airborne column in his lime-green and purple spacesuit.
• Pac-Man is a legendary character from Bandai Namco's arcade game, whose appearance was timed to coincide with the game's 45th anniversary.
• Mario is an iconic Nintendo hero, wearing his signature red cap, blue robe, and white gloves.
• DreamWorks Animation's beloved Shrek will appear in the onion carriage he and Fiona used to travel on their honeymoon.

These balloons underwent a dress rehearsal at the Macy's Balloonfest event, where engineers tested their wind resistance and altitude.

In addition, this year An unusual and vibrant platform from the international toy and art brand Pop Mart is debutingThe creators of the popular characters Laboobu and Mokoko will present a composition called "Friendshipgiving in Pop City." The nearly five-meter-tall Laboobu and his pink-haired friend Mokoko will appear as soft inflatable figures—the first of their kind in the parade's history. Joining them in the festive procession will be other Pop Mart favorites—Skullpanda, Molly, Dimu, Peach Riot, and Duckoo.

Who will speak

Audiences can expect a packed musical program. Artists include Drew Baldrige, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Kaye, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Debbie Gibson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & The Gang, Busta Rhymes, Shaggy, Calum Scott, and more.

Broadway will present the musicals Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, Ragtime and the project A Chorus Line: The Next Generation.

A special place will be given to the performance of the legendary Radio City Rockettes, who are celebrating their centenary this year.

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How and where to watch

The parade will be broadcast on live on NBC и streaming service Peacock From 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. local time in all U.S. time zones. Hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.

The Spanish version will be shown Telemundo (hosts: Andrea Mesa, Aleida Ortiz and Clovis Nienow).

On November 26 at 20:00 PM, NBC and Peacock will air a special program, "Countdown to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," which will show viewers the preparation process: creating balloons, decorations, and costumes.

Some interesting facts

The parade has been held since 1924 and during this time it has been cancelled only three times – during the Second World War.

Every year it attracts around 3,5 million spectators on the streets of New York and more than 50 million in front of their screens.

It takes up to four months to build a single platform, and the entire structure folds down to the size of a city bus to fit through the Lincoln Tunnel.

The longest float is Santa's Sleigh, and the most traditional is Tom Turkey, which always opens the procession.

You can follow the details and updates on official Macy's Parade page.

The Macy's Parade is more than just a holiday tradition; it's a symbol of optimism and the start of the winter season.