CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Culture

Photos: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 — Iconic Balloons, Bands and a Busy Holiday Kickoff

09:49 AM, 11/28/2025
Photos: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 — Iconic Balloons, Bands and a Busy Holiday Kickoff

The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in Manhattan on Nov. 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST. The event featured iconic balloons, marching bands, themed floats and celebrity performances. Observers noted lingering political tensions after last year’s disruptions and potential consumer boycotts related to administration policies. Retail groups still forecast roughly $1.01–$1.02 trillion in U.S. holiday spending over the next two months, up to 4.2% from last year.

The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marched through Manhattan on Thursday, Nov. 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST, delighting crowds with classic character balloons, colorful floats, marching bands and a roster of celebrity performers.

Context

Last year’s procession saw partial disruptions from pro-Palestinian demonstrators. This year, analysts note potential consumer boycotts aimed at administration policies — citing concerns about higher prices, broad tariffs and rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs — even as the holiday shopping season gets under way.

Despite rising inflation and uncertainty tied to new import taxes, the National Retail Federation projects U.S. holiday spending of roughly $1.01 trillion to $1.02 trillion over the next two months, an increase of up to 4.2 percent from last year.

Gallery highlights

The parade kicked off with the Tom Turkey float rolling down Central Park West, setting a festive tone for the morning.

Iconic balloons included Spider-Man gliding past Radio City Music Hall, Buzz Lightyear and Mario floating along the route, and the SpongeBob SquarePants character making a vibrant appearance on Sixth Avenue.

Marching bands and performers added musical energy, with Alcorn State University’s band entertaining crowds and artists such as Shaggy performing from parade floats.

Among the whimsical entries were the Labubu float from Pop Mart, the Corny-Copia clowns, Viking clowns and the Corny-Copia troupe, all contributing to the parade’s playful atmosphere. Balloons were expertly guided by handlers along Sixth Avenue as spectators lined the sidewalks to watch the procession.

This year’s parade combined nostalgic favorites and contemporary pop-culture icons, serving as both a family spectacle and a symbolic kickoff to the holiday retail season.

Note

Below are photos from the event showcasing the balloons, bands and floats that marched through New York City on Nov. 27, 2025.

Similar Articles

Trending