The Ultimate 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Guide: Start Time, Route, And Must-See New Balloons

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the world's most iconic holiday traditions, a spectacular event that officially kicks off the holiday season in New York City. Every year, millions of spectators line the streets, and tens of millions more tune in from home to witness the dazzling array of giant balloons, elaborate floats, star-studded performances, and legendary marching bands.

For those planning to attend in person or watch the broadcast, getting the precise details is crucial. As of this current date in December 2025, the most recent parade has just concluded, and the information regarding its schedule, route, and featured attractions remains the most relevant and up-to-date guide for future planning and understanding the massive scale of the 99th annual event.

The Official 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Schedule and Broadcast Details

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade followed a long-standing tradition, ensuring a consistent and reliable schedule for viewers across the country. Knowing the exact start time is essential for snagging a prime viewing spot or simply setting your alarm on Thanksgiving morning.

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What Time Did the Parade Start and End?

• Official Start Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
• Official End Time: The parade typically concludes at 12:00 p.m. ET (Noon).
• Total Duration: The entire spectacular lasted approximately three and a half hours, marching rain or shine through the streets of Manhattan.
• West Coast Start Time: For viewers in the Pacific Time Zone, the broadcast began at 5:30 a.m. PT.

The event is a massive logistical undertaking, involving thousands of participants, including volunteers, performers, and balloon handlers. The 8:30 a.m. sharp start time ensures that the entire 2.5-mile route is covered efficiently, culminating in the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus at Macy's Herald Square, signaling the start of the Christmas shopping season.

How to Watch the Parade at Home

For those who prefer the warmth of their living room, the parade was broadcast live and available to stream:

• Television Broadcast: The official national broadcast was carried live on NBC.
• Streaming Platform: Viewers could also stream the entire event live on Peacock in all time zones.
• Hosts: The broadcast typically features celebrity hosts providing commentary on the performances, floats, and the incredible scale of the giant helium balloons.

The 2.5-Mile Parade Route and Best Viewing Spots in NYC

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route is a 2.5-mile journey through the heart of Manhattan, providing multiple opportunities for spectators to catch a glimpse of the action. Understanding the route is vital for anyone planning to join the estimated 3.5 million people who watch the parade in person.

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The Official 2025 Parade Route Breakdown

The parade follows a precise path designed to maximize visibility and manage the enormous crowds:

1. The Start: The parade officially began at West 77th Street and Central Park West (CPW) on the Upper West Side.
2. The First Stretch: It traveled south down Central Park West for over a mile, where some of the earliest and best viewing spots were located.
3. The Turn: The route turned east onto Central Park South (59th Street).
4. The Main Avenue: It then turned south again onto Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), continuing from West 59th Street down to West 38th Street.
5. The Grand Finale: The procession concluded its journey at Macy's Herald Square, located at 34th Street, which is the final destination and the main performance area.

Insider Tips for Securing a Prime Viewing Spot

To get the best view of the massive floats and balloons, early arrival is non-negotiable. The best public viewing areas included:

• Central Park West (75th St to 61st St): This is an excellent location to see the parade relatively early. Spectators often arrive as early as 6:00 a.m. to secure a spot.
• Sixth Avenue (59th St to 38th St): This stretch offers a long, clear view of the procession as it heads toward Midtown.
• Avoid Herald Square: There is no public viewing access at the final destination, Macy's Herald Square, due to the television broadcast setup and grandstand seating.

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

Each year, the parade introduces new characters and performances, maintaining its status as a fresh and exciting spectacle. The 99th annual event was no exception, featuring a dazzling array of new and returning entities that added significant topical authority to the event.

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The New Giant Character Balloons and Fan Favorites

The colossal helium balloons are the stars of the show, requiring dozens of handlers to navigate the Manhattan streets. The 2025 lineup featured several exciting debuts and the return of beloved classics:

• New Balloons: The new additions that captivated the crowds included a giant Buzz Lightyear, the popular video game character Mario, the adorable Derpy Tiger, and the highly anticipated return of Shrek. Other new scene-stealers included PAC-MAN, Goku, and Labubu.
• Returning Classics: Fan-favorite balloons such as Bluey, Minnie Mouse, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid also soared above the city skyline.
• Balloonicles: The parade also featured four 'balloonicles'—hybrid balloon and vehicle structures—adding an extra layer of imaginative spectacle.

Elaborate Floats and Live Performances

The intricate floats serve as mobile stages for the celebrity performers. The 2025 parade debuted seven imaginative new floats, alongside the returning favorites.

• New Floats: Notable new floats included the colorful Brick-tastic Winter Mountain, the communal Friends-giving in POPCITY, and the Master float.
• Star-Studded Performers: The lineup of performers was packed with talent, featuring Broadway stars and musical acts. Key performers included Cynthia Erivo, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, and Meg Donnelly.
• Musical Guests: Other major musical entities that performed included Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Conan Gray, Mickey Guyton, HUNTR/X, Busta Rhymes, and Lil Jon, ensuring a diverse range of entertainment for all viewers.
• Marching Bands: Acclaimed marching bands from across the USA and Panama provided the rhythmic backbone of the event, a vital part of the parade's tradition.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just an event; it's a cultural phenomenon that blends nostalgia with modern entertainment, officially launching the holiday season with a spectacle of sight and sound. Whether you're planning to brave the New York City crowds or watch the broadcast on NBC or Peacock, the 8:30 a.m. ET start time is the moment when this cherished tradition begins its march toward Herald Square.