Gigantic colorful balloons of popular characters will soon line up for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The annual parade is back on Thursday, Nov. 27 — Thanksgiving Day — in the Big Apple, and those watching from the Golden State have options on where to watch.
“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, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 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.”
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began 101 years ago in 1924. However, the parade was canceled in 1942, 1943, and 1944 due to World War II, the company stated. Materials like rubber were used then for war efforts instead of being used for the parade.
In 2026, the parade will celebrate its 100th year.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and end at Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square, USA TODAY reported.
Here’s how to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your home.
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How to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 27.
A parade spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY that the parade will run for 3½ hours, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Those watching from California will also be able to join the fun starting at 8:30 a.m. PT because it’s being telecast at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones through NBC. The parade will also stream on Peacock, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV.
At 2 p.m. ET/PT, there will be an encore on NBC, USA TODAY reported.
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What to expect from the Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025
This year is the 99th year of the parade.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup includes country singer Lainey Wilson, R&B artist Ciara, “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, actress and singer Teyana Taylor, and rapper Busta Rhymes, among others.
There will be a total of 34 balloons, with four new featured character balloons debuting this year.
A fifth new balloon will join too. The Derpy Tiger from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s “KPop Demon Hunters” will be a mid-sized balloon and balloonicle.
The parade will also include 28 floats. This year’s parade will showcase six new floats.
Another new float will be The Littlest Float by Goldfish.
“At under 8 inches tall, and featuring to-scale Goldfish crackers, The Littlest Float by Goldfish is just that, the tiniest float in the Macy’s Parade,” the Macy’s website states.
Eleven marching bands will join the parade like the New York City Police Department Marching Band, La Banda de Música La Primavera, and Catawba Ridge High School.
Who will perform at the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Eleven marching bands will join the parade like the New York City Police Department Marching Band, La Banda de Música La Primavera, and Catawba Ridge High School.
Other artists to perform in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade include:
This story includes previous reporting by USA TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025
Reporting by Angelaydet Rocha, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
