As families across the United States prepare for Thanksgiving, millions are also anticipating the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This iconic event, a cherished American tradition, is set to captivate audiences with its vibrant floats, colossal balloons, and star-studded performances, all while carrying a history marked by both grandeur and unexpected mishaps.
The 2025 Parade: What to Expect
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The three-and-a-half-hour procession is scheduled to conclude at noon ET, offering a festive start to the holiday. For those unable to watch live, an encore presentation will air on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT.
Viewing Information
- Live Broadcast: NBC
- Live Stream: Peacock
- Spanish Simulcast: Telemundo
- Hosts: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker will anchor the NBC broadcast, while Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow will host the Telemundo coverage.
The Route and Participants
The 2.5-mile parade route begins on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, near West 77th Street and Central Park West. It then proceeds south along Central Park West, turns east at Central Park South, and continues south on Sixth Avenue to 34th Street, culminating at Macy’s Herald Square. Spectators planning to attend in person are advised to arrive before sunrise, especially along Central Park West, where crowd control barricades will be in place.
This year’s parade promises an impressive lineup, featuring:
- 34 Balloons (including four mini-balloons)
- 28 Floats
- 33 Clown Groups
- 11 Marching Bands
New Balloons and Floats
Exciting new additions are set to debut, reflecting popular culture and beloved characters:
- New Featured Balloons: Buzz Lightyear (Pixar), PAC-MAN (Bandai Namco), Mario (Nintendo), Shrek’s Onion Carriage (Universal Pictures’ DreamWorks Animation), and Derpy Tiger and Sussie from Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters.”
- New Floats: Seven new floats will grace the streets, including the Labubu-themed “Friends-giving in POPCITY” by Pop Mart, Netflix’s “Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things,” Holland America Line’s “The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder,” The LEGO Group’s “Brick-tastic Winter Mountain,” Lindt’s “Master Chocolatier Ballroom,” Serta’s “The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator,” and Goldfish’s “The Littlest Float.”
Star-Studded Performances
The parade will feature a diverse array of performers, with Tony Award-winning “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo set to deliver the opening number. Other notable acts include Lainey Wilson, Conan Gray, Ciara, Lil Jon, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, Teyana, Audrey Nuna, EJAE, Rei Ami (KPop Demon Hunters), and the iconic Radio City Rockettes. Broadway casts from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time,” and “Ragtime” will also perform.
Weather and Safety Precautions
New York City officials are closely monitoring the weather forecast, which predicts chilly temperatures in the low 40s with wind gusts potentially reaching 25-30 mph, and possibly up to 35 mph. City law prohibits full-size balloons from flying if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts surpass 35 mph, a regulation that has historically led to adjustments. Thousands of police officers will be stationed along the route to ensure public safety, prepared to address any potential disruptions.
A History of High-Flying Hiccups
While the parade is known for its festive spirit, its nearly century-long run has also seen its share of memorable mishaps, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of live events, especially those involving giant inflatables. These incidents have often led to significant safety reforms, ensuring the parade’s continued evolution and safety for spectators, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com.
Notable Incidents Include:
- The Infamous 1997 Incidents: This year was particularly challenging, with the 78-foot-tall Cat in the Hat balloon striking a lamppost, injuring four people and prompting strict safety reforms. In the same parade, the Barney the Dinosaur balloon was intentionally punctured by NYPD officers after strong winds ripped a hole in its side, and the Pink Panther also collided with a streetlight.
- Early Aerial Adventures: In 1932, a pilot reportedly tangled with a released Tom Cat balloon mid-air, while in 1927, an early cat balloon (possibly Felix the Cat) caught fire after hitting electrical wires.
- Recurring Challenges: Balloons like Sonic the Hedgehog (1993), Superman (1966, 1986), Kermit the Frog (1985, 1991), and Snoopy (multiple incidents in the 1970s and 1980s) have all faced punctures, deflations, and collisions. The 2005 M&M’s balloon incident, where a lamppost fell and injured two sisters, further reinforced the need for enhanced tether training and wind spotters.
Despite these challenges, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to be a testament to engineering marvel, human effort, and the enduring joy it brings to millions, proving that no matter what, the show floats on.
