Thanksgiving is almost here. One of the biggest holidays in the country is right around the corner, prompting us all to prepare a list of the things we need for our Thanksgiving dinners, arrange our travel plans, and more. This year is a special one for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most famous celebrations of the holiday. The parade is celebrating its 99th edition, with it kicking off in 1924 in New York, and being hosted every year with a few exceptions: 1942, 1943, and 1944, due to World War II.
“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the official kickoff to the holiday season and has been part of the nation’s stories and traditions for generations,” said Will Coss, the parade's executive producer, in a statement. “The most wonderful stories start at the parade. On Thanksgiving morning, larger-than-life character balloons, awe-inspiring floats, and showstopping performances will create unforgettable moments and lasting holiday memories for millions of spectators in New York City and across the country.”
While some fans of the parade will make their way to New York to catch some of the celebration, most of us will likely be enjoying it from the comfort of our homes. Here's all you should know about the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade:
At what time does it start?
© Bettmann ArchiveThe parade kicks off at 8:30 am ET on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th. The parade will begin on Manhattan's Upper West Side, concluding at around noon, in Macy's flagship store at Herald Square. The event is scheduled to last 3 and a half hours, more than enough time for you and your family to make preparations for your Thanksgiving meal.
How to watch?
© Getty Images for Macy'sMacy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC, starting at 8:30 am in all time zones. It will also be available to stream on Peacock and on Fubo. The former streamer will have three views available for viewers, including the traditional primary view, a float view, where you ride aboard a float and have a view of Manhattan, and a high-rise view, giving audiences a bird's eye view of the parade.
The show will be hosted by NBC personalities Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.
This year's new balloons and floats
Each year, there are new balloons and floats to get kids and viewers excited. This year, there will be various large balloons of Buzz Lightyear, Mario, Shrek's Onion Carriage, and Mario.
Some of the new floats include a Stranger Things-themed one and a Friendsgiving float designed by Pop Mart, the makers of the Labubu dolls.
© Getty Images for Macy'sWho's performing?
This year, numerous singers will be performing, including Teyana Taylor, who's rumored to get her first Oscar nomination for the film "One Battle After Another," Jewel, Foreigner, Ciara, Busta Rhymes, Luisa Sonza, Shaggy, and more.
© Getty Images
