The scent of turkey is in the air, the pie crusts are ready to roll, and cue the confetti, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is almost here.
This beloved New York City tradition returns Thursday, Nov. 27, filling Manhattan’s streets (and millions of living rooms) with larger-than-life balloons, sparkling floats, and music that makes your heart smile.
Hard to believe, but this year marks the 99th Macy’s Parade. Next year will be the big 1-0-0, but honestly, this year already feels like a celebration. Since its debut in 1924, the parade has grown into what Macy’s proudly calls “the world’s largest parade,” and it’s been a Thanksgiving morning tradition on NBC since 1953, according to research from History.com.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A star-studded morning to remember
This year’s lineup is stacked with fun, featuring 29 floats, 26 performers, and nearly a dozen marching bands from across the country, all ready to bring joy to the streets of Manhattan.
Among the stars performing are Busta Rhymes, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Jewel, Kool & the Gang, and Colbie Caillat, along with Calum Scott, Debbie Gibson, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, and Mickey Guyton. You’ll also hear the voices of Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, a K-pop dream team featured in KPop Demon Hunters, and see appearances by U.S. Olympian Ilia Malinin, Paralympian Jack Wallace, and actors Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha.
It’s the kind of lineup that makes you want to cozy up with a blanket, a cinnamon roll, and your family to watch every performance.
When and where to watch
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs live on NBC from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27. You can also stream it live on Peacock, because yes, you can watch from Grandma’s couch too.
Missed the morning show? NBC will replay the parade at 2 p.m. ET/PT, perfect for that post-feast nap window.
If you prefer your parade in Spanish, Telemundo will air a live simulcast hosted by Andrea Meza, Clovis Nienow and Aleyda Ortiz.
A tradition that feels like home
For nearly a century, the Macy’s Parade has been more than just a holiday event, it’s the heartbeat of Thanksgiving morning. It’s what plays softly in the background while kitchens fill with laughter, casseroles, and clinking dishes. It’s what reminds us that joy, color, and music can still bring everyone together, even if we’re just sitting in our pajamas, coffee in hand, watching the balloons float by.
From the giant Snoopy soaring above the skyline to Santa’s cheerful wave at the end, every moment of the parade feels like a little piece of magic.
The road to 100
While this year’s 99th parade already feels special, next year’s centennial celebration is bound to be unforgettable. Macy’s is keeping details quiet for now, but if history tells us anything, they’ll pull out all the stops, think nostalgia, surprises, and maybe a few happy tears.
Until then, this year’s parade promises exactly what we love most, music, community, and that unmistakable feeling that the holidays have officially begun.
So set your alarm, pour the coffee, and snuggle in with the people you love. Because when the first float rolls down Fifth Avenue and those marching bands strike up their songs, you’ll know, Thanksgiving has truly arrived.