The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: 7 Must-See Highlights, New Balloons, And A-List Performers

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an iconic American tradition, celebrated its 99th annual event on Thursday, November 27, 2025, bringing its signature blend of spectacular floats, massive balloons, and star-studded performances to the streets of New York City. This year's parade, which spanned a 2.5-mile route, was a dazzling display of holiday spirit, featuring new characters, returning classics, and a massive lineup of musical talent that cemented its status as the unofficial start to the holiday season. The 99th edition was broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, allowing millions of viewers nationwide to witness the magic and the grand arrival of Santa Claus in Herald Square.

This deep dive into the 2025 event provides all the essential details, from the parade's logistics to the standout performances and the newest additions to the legendary balloon lineup, ensuring you have the freshest information on one of the world's largest and most beloved parades. Whether you were a spectator in Manhattan or watching from home, the 99th annual parade delivered an unforgettable morning of family-friendly entertainment and festive cheer.

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: By The Numbers

The 2025 parade was a massive production, involving thousands of participants and an incredible amount of creative engineering. The sheer scale of the event is a testament to its nearly century-long legacy as America’s favorite Thanksgiving morning spectacle. The 99th parade featured an unprecedented lineup of entities, making it one of the biggest in recent history.

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• Parade Edition: 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Start Time: 8:30 AM EST
• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours, concluding around noon
• Route Length: 2.5 miles
• Giant Helium Balloons: 18
• Mid-Sized Balloons/Balloonicles: 37 (33 mid-sized + 4 Balloonicles)
• Floats: 27
• Clown Groups: 33
• Marching Bands: 11
• Performance Groups: 9
• Specialty Units: 14

The Official 2025 Parade Route and Spectator Guide

For those who experienced the parade live in New York City, understanding the 2.5-mile route was crucial for securing the best viewing spots. The procession, which began at 8:30 AM, followed its traditional path, offering several key viewing areas.

The parade officially stepped off at 77th Street and Central Park West. It traveled south along Central Park West to Columbus Circle. From there, it headed east onto Central Park South, then turned south onto 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas). The majority of the public viewing was available along 6th Avenue, from Central Park South down to 38th Street. The parade concluded its journey at 34th Street and Herald Square, where the famous Macy’s flagship store served as the backdrop for the final performances and the grand finale featuring Santa Claus.

Viewing Tip: The area around 77th Street and Central Park West is often less crowded early on, while the final stretch at Herald Square is reserved for the television broadcast, making it inaccessible for public viewing.

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The Newest Balloons and Most Spectacular Floats of the 99th Parade

The heart of the Macy’s Parade lies in its incredible lineup of balloons and floats, which are often a reflection of the year's most popular culture and beloved characters. The 99th annual event introduced several new giant balloons and floats, alongside the return of fan favorites.

Giant Balloon Debuts and Returning Icons

While the full list of new balloons is extensive, the 2025 parade welcomed several new additions that captured the crowd’s imagination. These large-scale helium giants require dozens of handlers to navigate the Manhattan streets.

• Buzz Lightyear: A massive balloon version of the iconic Space Ranger from the Disney/Pixar universe was a major highlight, soaring high above the crowds.
• Freida the Dachshund: A new balloonicle (a self-powered balloon/vehicle hybrid) was introduced in partnership with The Farmer's Dog.
• Classic Characters: Returning giants included the massive Snoopy balloon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the beloved Pikachu.

Must-See Floats

The floats are intricate works of art that often feature moving parts, lights, and complex scenic design, providing a stage for the celebrity performers. The 99th parade showcased 27 unique floats.

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• 1-2-3 Sesame Street: This classic float returned, hosting a performance by the beloved Sesame Street Muppets.
• Big Turkey Spectacular: A perennial favorite, this float is known for its vibrant colors and festive theme, often hosting the main event's musical acts.
• Birds of a Feather Stream Together: A new float that likely tied into a major streaming service or media company, reflecting modern entertainment trends.
• The Classics: Floats like the "Rainbow and Greybow Trouts" and the "Happy Hippo Triple Stack" also made their festive return, adding to the visual spectacle.

Star-Studded Performances and Musical Guests

The Macy’s Parade is as much a music festival as it is a procession. The 99th annual event featured a diverse and star-studded lineup of performers across the 27 floats, providing entertainment for every generation. The musical acts performed live from various points along the route, culminating in the final performances at Herald Square.

The 2025 lineup was particularly strong, including:

• Cynthia Erivo: The acclaimed singer and actress, known for her role in Wicked: For Good, delivered a powerful opening performance.
• Ciara: The pop and R&B star brought a high-energy "pink pop moment" to the parade.
• Matteo Bocelli: The Italian tenor and son of Andrea Bocelli showcased his classical talent.
• Foreigner: The legendary rock band performed one of their classic hits, appealing to a multi-generational audience.
• Debbie Gibson: The 80s pop icon returned to the parade stage.
• Conan Gray: The indie-pop sensation provided a contemporary sound to the morning.
• Other Notable Performers: Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, and Mickey Guyton also graced the floats.

In addition to the musical guests, the parade showcased performances from numerous Broadway shows and the nation's best marching bands, including the 11 selected high school and college bands. These groups provided the rhythmic backbone of the entire event, marching the full 2.5 miles.

How to Watch and Stream the Macy's Parade Anywhere

For the millions who couldn't be in Manhattan, the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was easily accessible through multiple platforms, continuing the tradition of bringing the holiday to every American home.

The official broadcast aired live on NBC, with the coverage typically beginning at 9:00 AM EST and running until noon. The broadcast featured the celebrity hosts and covered the main performances at Herald Square.

For cord-cutters and streaming enthusiasts, the parade was available to stream live on Peacock. This streaming option has become increasingly popular, offering a high-quality, continuous feed of the event.

A unique feature for the 2025 broadcast was the availability of multiple viewing angles, including a "Float View" (from atop the Tom the Turkey float) and a "High-Rise View" (offering a bird's eye perspective), giving viewers an immersive experience beyond the traditional TV programming.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade remains a powerful symbol of unity and celebration, bridging generations and kicking off the holiday season with a spectacular display of creativity, music, and American tradition. The 99th edition in 2025 was a fittingly grand spectacle, setting the stage for the centennial celebration just around the corner.