5 Must-Know Secrets To Watching The Macy's Day Parade Coverage: 2025 Event Recap & 2026 Centennial Preview

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade remains America's most cherished holiday tradition, and the coverage for the 2025 event, which took place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, delivered a spectacular, record-breaking broadcast. This year's 99th annual parade set the stage for the highly anticipated centennial celebration, offering viewers a fresh lineup of giant balloons, star-studded performances, and innovative ways to watch from home. For those who missed the live broadcast or are already planning for next year, understanding the nuances of the coverage—from the hosts to the new streaming features—is essential to fully appreciating this cultural milestone.

As of December 2025, the dust has settled on the incredible 99th procession, but the conversation about its groundbreaking coverage is just beginning. The 2025 broadcast saw new digital features and a massive lineup, cementing the parade's status as a must-watch event. Here is the ultimate guide to the 2025 Macy's Day Parade coverage, including all the key details you need to know and a look ahead to the 100th anniversary in 2026.

The Complete 2025 Macy's Day Parade Coverage & Broadcast Lineup

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was a massive undertaking, featuring a comprehensive lineup of entertainment and spectacle that was broadcast across multiple platforms. The coverage was meticulously planned to ensure that every moment of the three-and-a-half-hour event was captured, from the Upper West Side start to the grand finale at Macy's Herald Square.

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Key Coverage Entities & Facts:

• Event Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Start Time: 8:30 a.m. in all time zones (running until approximately noon)
• Television Broadcast: Live on NBC and Telemundo
• Official Streaming Service: Peacock
• Total Participants: The parade featured 34 Balloons, 28 Floats, 29 Performers, 11 Marching Bands, 4 Balloonicles, 33 Clown Crews, and 14 Specialty Units.

1. The Power Trio: Meet the Iconic NBC Hosts

The familiar faces of the NBC News team returned to anchor the official broadcast, providing the color commentary, interviews, and historical context that millions of viewers rely on. The hosts are an integral part of the Macy's Day Parade coverage, guiding the audience through the spectacle and providing behind-the-scenes insights.

The 2025 broadcast was helmed by the beloved trio: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. Their chemistry and deep knowledge of the parade tradition ensure a seamless and engaging viewing experience. Al Roker, in particular, is a staple of the event, often providing live updates from the route and interacting with the crowds and performers. Their presence is a cornerstone of the live coverage, making the parade feel like a warm, shared family event across the nation.

2. Streaming Revolution: Peacock’s New Multiview Mode

In a major update to the Macy's Day Parade coverage, the 2025 event introduced a groundbreaking feature for streaming viewers. For the first time, Peacock offered a "multiview mode," significantly enhancing the digital viewing experience.

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This new feature allowed subscribers to watch the parade from multiple camera angles simultaneously, giving them control over their viewing experience. This is a crucial evolution for the parade coverage, catering to the modern viewer who seeks a more interactive and personalized broadcast. The ability to switch between the main broadcast, close-ups of the floats, or specific performance stages set a new standard for how the event is consumed digitally.

The parade streamed live on the Peacock app and website, making it accessible to cord-cutters and those without traditional cable subscriptions.

3. The Must-See New Balloons and Floats of 2025

A parade is only as memorable as its giants, and the 99th annual event introduced several spectacular new character balloons that immediately became fan favorites. The new additions were a highlight of the 2025 Macy's Day Parade coverage, showcasing the continuous innovation in balloon design.

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Featured New Giant Balloons:

• Buzz Lightyear: A massive representation of the iconic Pixar Space Ranger.
• Mario: The beloved Nintendo character made his debut in giant balloon form.
• Pac-Man: The classic arcade icon, a vibrant and nostalgic addition.
• Shrek's Onion Carriage: An imaginative float/balloonicle hybrid featuring the DreamWorks ogre.
• Derpy Tiger from K-Pop Demon Hunters: An unexpected, modern character reflecting current pop culture.

These new giants joined established classics like Bluey, Minnie Mouse, and Goku, ensuring a diverse and exciting aerial spectacle for the millions watching the coverage.

4. Star-Studded Performances and Musical Guests

The coverage is not complete without the incredible musical and Broadway performances staged outside Macy's Herald Square. The 2025 lineup was packed with major stars, providing high-energy entertainment throughout the morning broadcast.

Top Performers Featured in the 2025 Coverage:

• Cynthia Erivo: The Oscar-nominated star brought her powerful vocals to the parade.
• Busta Rhymes: Delivering a high-impact performance that energized the crowd.
• Mickey Guyton: The country music star added a touch of Nashville flair.
• Lil Jon: Bringing his signature hype to the Thanksgiving morning event.
• HUNTR/X: A rising star whose performance was a highlight of the musical acts.

In addition to these headliners, the coverage also featured performances from Broadway casts and the spectacular routines of the 11 national marching bands and 9 performance groups, all contributing to the parade's rich tapestry.

5. Looking Ahead: The 2026 Centennial Macy's Day Parade

While the 2025 parade was a success, the massive buildup is now focused on the 100th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2026. The centennial celebration promises to be the most spectacular event in the parade's history, and coverage is already a major topic of discussion.

The 100th parade is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Coverage is expected to follow the established tradition: a live broadcast on NBC and a stream on Peacock. Given the success of the multiview feature in 2025, it is highly likely that Peacock will expand its digital offerings for the centennial.

Anticipation is high for new floats, new balloons, and a star lineup that will honor the parade's nearly century-long legacy. The 2026 coverage will undoubtedly be a historic broadcast, attracting a global audience eager to witness the culmination of 100 years of tradition, making the 2025 event the perfect, high-tech dress rehearsal.