The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: 7 Shocking New Balloons And The Full Star-Studded Lineup

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is not just a holiday tradition; it is a spectacular cultural event, and the 99th annual installment, set for Thursday, November 27, 2025, promises to be one of the most memorable yet. This year’s parade, broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, is packed with brand-new giant balloons, an impressive list of celebrity performers, and the return of beloved floats and specialty units, continuing its nearly century-old legacy as "America’s Parade."

Anticipation is already building for the massive spectacle that will once again draw millions of spectators to the streets of New York City and tens of millions more to their television screens. The 2025 event will feature a staggering 34 balloons, 28 elaborate floats, 33 Clown Crews, 11 Marching Bands, and an army of 5,000 dedicated volunteers, ensuring a three-hour celebration of holiday cheer and imagination.

The 2025 Lineup: New Balloons, Floats, and Star Power

Every year, the biggest curiosity surrounding the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade centers on the debut of new character balloons, which often become instant icons. The 2025 parade is introducing a record number of new giants, solidifying its commitment to featuring the latest in pop culture alongside timeless classics.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The 7 Must-See New Giant Character Balloons

The 99th parade welcomes four major new featured character balloons, plus several other new designs and specialty units, guaranteeing a fresh look for the procession.

• Mario: Nintendo's iconic plumber makes his high-flying debut, a colossal representation of one of gaming's biggest stars.
• Buzz Lightyear: The beloved Space Ranger from Disney and Pixar's Toy Story franchise will soar over Manhattan, bringing an intergalactic touch to the streets.
• PAC-MAN: The classic arcade hero is set to chase his way down the route, a nostalgic nod to video game history.
• Shrek's Onion Carriage: While technically a specialized float/balloonicle unit, this massive addition celebrating the Shrek universe is a new featured character element that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Derpy Tiger: A new character from the Netflix series KPop Demon Hunters, introducing a fresh animated face to the lineup.
• Acorn and Candy Cane: These new standard balloons round out the new additions, adding festive, thematic flair to the procession.

These newcomers will join returning favorites like the Beagle Scout Snoopy, Bluey, and the classic Blue & White Macy's Stars, ensuring a perfect blend of tradition and novelty.

A Cavalcade of Celebrity Performances

The musical performances are always a highlight, and the 2025 lineup is stacked with major names across multiple genres. These artists will perform on the various elaborate floats as the parade travels its 2.5-mile route.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Ciara: The Grammy-winning pop and R&B star is set to headline one of the major floats.
• Lil Jon: The hip-hop icon and producer will bring his energetic presence to the celebration.
• Kool & the Gang: The legendary funk and soul group will perform, adding a touch of classic musical history to the day.
• Foreigner: The iconic rock band will also be featured, showcasing the parade's diverse musical appeal.
• Cynthia Erivo and Shaggy: Other confirmed major performers include the acclaimed actress and singer Cynthia Erivo and reggae star Shaggy.
• Gavin DeGraw: The singer-songwriter is another notable addition to the star-studded roster.

In addition to the musical guests, the parade will feature the dynamic Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, various Performance Groups, and the Macy's Great American Marching Band, a staple of the annual event.

Navigating the Route and Securing the Best View

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a massive logistical undertaking that transforms Manhattan for a morning. Knowing the route and having a viewing strategy is crucial for anyone planning to attend in person.

The Official 2025 Parade Route

The parade follows its classic 2.5-mile path, starting in the Upper West Side and making its way down to Herald Square.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

1. The Start: The procession officially begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West.
2. The Journey South: The parade travels south down Central Park West to Columbus Circle.
3. The Turn: It then turns onto Central Park South and heads east.
4. The Final Stretch: The parade turns onto Sixth Avenue and proceeds south to West 34th Street.
5. The Grand Finale: The event concludes at Macy's flagship store in Herald Square, where Santa Claus officially arrives to usher in the Christmas season.

Expert Viewing Tips for First-Timers

While the atmosphere is electric, securing a good public viewing spot requires dedication. The grandstand area near Herald Square is reserved for employees, VIPs, and guests, so public viewing is best done along Central Park West.

• Arrive Early: For a prime spot, seasoned New Yorkers recommend arriving as early as 6:00 AM, especially along Central Park West between 77th and 61st Streets.
• Avoid the Crowds: It is highly recommended to avoid the area on Sixth Avenue between 34th and 38th streets, as the crowds here are the densest and views are often obstructed.
• Hotel View: For a luxury experience, booking a room in one of the hotels along the parade route, especially those overlooking Central Park West, offers a warm and comfortable vantage point.

The Balloon Inflation Spectacle: An Insider's Look

For those who prefer a less-crowded, behind-the-scenes experience, the Balloon Inflation event the day before Thanksgiving is an unmissable tradition.

Held on Wednesday afternoon and evening near the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side, this event offers a unique chance to walk among the giants as they are brought to life. Thousands of spectators gather to watch the massive character balloons, including Buzz Lightyear and Mario, slowly inflate with helium, transforming from flat vinyl into towering figures ready for their flight. It is a true testament to the parade's history, which began in 1924 as a simple store promotion but quickly grew into the world's largest parade, with signature giant balloons first debuting in 1927.

The 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to be a spectacular kickoff to the holiday season. With the debut of new character balloons, a star-studded performance lineup, and the return of dozens of floats, marching bands, and specialty units, the 2025 event will continue to capture the magic and wonder that has defined this American institution for nearly a century.