Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Start Time, Star Performers and What to Watch

The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returns on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, marching 2.5 miles through Manhattan with its signature giant balloons, elaborate floats and high-profile performances. The broadcast begins at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC and will stream live on Peacock.

When and where
The parade steps off in midtown Manhattan and travels south along its traditional 2.5-mile route. Tune in at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC or watch the live stream on Peacock.

Broadcast team
Today show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker, joined by former co-anchor Hoda Kotb, will anchor the 2025 parade coverage.

What to expect
Spectators can look forward to a packed program: 34 balloons, 29 floats, 26 featured performers, 11 marching bands, 4 balloonicles (large balloons mounted on vehicles), 33 clown crews, 9 performance groups and 15 specialty units.

Star performers

The parade lineup includes a wide range of artists across genres. Notable performers slated to appear include:

• Busta Rhymes
• Calum Scott
• Christopher Jackson
• Ciara
• Colbie Caillat
• Darlene Love
• Debbie Gibson
• Drew Baldridge
• EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami (the singing voices behind the fictional group HUNTR/X from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters)
• Foreigner
• Gavin DeGraw
• Jewel
• Kool & the Gang
• Lauren Spencer Smith
• Lil Jon
• Luísa Sonza
• Matteo Bocelli
• Meg Donnelly
• Mickey Guyton
• Mr. Fantasy
• Roman Mejia
• Russell Dickerson
• Sean Evans
• Shaggy
• Taylor Momsen
• Teyana Taylor
• Tiler Peck

New floats and balloons

Several new large-scale attractions debut this year. Six new floats will join the procession, including a Labubu-themed “friends-giving” by PopMart, a LEGO winter mountain, a master chocolatier ballroom from Lindt, and a Stranger Things–inspired “Upside Down Invasion.” Four new giant balloons making their first appearance are Buzz Lightyear, Mario, Pac-Man and a Shrek-themed onion carriage reported to stand roughly 32 feet tall and about 32 feet wide.

How to watch

The parade airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock. Peacock will offer enhanced viewing options, including a multi-angle feed that allows viewers to follow different camera perspectives, including a live view of the main float.

Peacock access is available through standalone subscriptions or bundled services. Some retailers and membership programs (such as Walmart+) include Peacock tiers with their plans; pricing and bundle details vary. Live-TV platforms that commonly offer trial periods during the holidays include DirecTV Choice, Fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

Tips for viewers: Arrive early if attending in person, dress warmly, and check official parade social channels for parade route updates and last-minute changes.