Before America gets turnt on turkey and settles in to watch some football, all eyes turn to Manhattan during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, Broadway performances and celebs is one of the best NYC events in November.
Whether you’re waking up at the crack of dawn to secure a prime spot or watching from home cozy on your couch, this guide will help you make the most of the parade.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Thanksgiving in NYC
When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Thanksgiving Day, of course! But we’ll spell it out for you: Thursday, November 27, 2025. It starts at 8:30am and runs until noon.
What is the route for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2025?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes over Manhattan on the holiday with 2.5 miles of public viewing. It kicks off at West 77th Street & Central Park West and flows down Central Park West before winding around Columbus Circle and onto Central Park South and Sixth Avenue. Finally, it files down Sixth Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square. Here’s the full route.
How to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Tune into NBC live from 8:30am to noon, watch it live on NBC, or stream it on Peacock. Otherwise, get to the parade route very early to stake out your spot.
Who is performing during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Expect Broadway performances, live pop performances, marching bands, clown crews, performance groups and more.
Headliners this year include Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Shaggy, Mickey Guyton and Teyana Taylor, plus Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Christopher Jackson, Lauren Spencer Smith, Calum Scott, Jewel, Debbie Gibson, Meg Donnelly and Taylor Momsen.
From the dance world, look for New York City Ballet principal Tiler Peck and ABT star Roman Mejia. Broadway is also bringing three productions to the street-stage: Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time and Ragtime, while the Radio City Rockettes mark their centennial with a classic kickline.
In Herald Square, hear songs performed by HUNTR/X—EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters. Sean Evans of Hot Ones appears as a special correspondent.
What are the new balloons in the Macy’s parade?
Balloons this year include five new scene-stealers: Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Mario, Derpy Tiger and Shrek’s Onion Carriage. They'll join with classics like Smokey Bear, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Pikachu, Snoopy and Minnie Mouse.
New floats roll out from Holland America Line, LEGO, Lindt, Netflix’s Stranger Things, Pop Mart and Serta. Kool & the Gang will bring a burst of nostalgia with “Celebration” atop the Bronx Zoo’s Wondrous World of Wildlife float.
If you want to get an early look at the balloons, there's typically a balloon inflation event on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 26), on the Upper West Side.
