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

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade remains the undisputed official kickoff to the holiday season, captivating millions of viewers across the nation. For 2025, the 99th Annual Parade is set to deliver an unforgettable spectacle, continuing a nearly century-old tradition that began in 1924. Whether you plan to brave the chill in New York City or cozy up on your couch, knowing the exact timing and broadcast details is essential to catching every giant balloon, dazzling float, and star-studded performance.

This year's event is packed with fresh details, including new character balloons and a star-studded lineup of performers. The parade is a three-hour marathon of entertainment, but the exact start time is crucial for both in-person spectators and television viewers looking to catch the first glimpse of the iconic Snoopy or the latest pop culture sensation gliding down Manhattan's avenues on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

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

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The official start time remains consistent with tradition, ensuring families across the country can tune in before their holiday feasts.

What Time Does the Parade Start and End?

  • Official Start Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET)
  • Official End Time: 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Eastern Time (ET)
  • Duration: The parade and its national broadcast run for three hours.

For viewers outside of the Eastern Time Zone, make sure to adjust your clocks accordingly: the parade will begin at 7:30 a.m. CT, 6:30 a.m. MT, and 5:30 a.m. PT. The broadcast is aired in all time zones, allowing for a seamless viewing experience.

How to Watch the Macy's Parade Live on TV and Streaming

The primary and longest-running home for the parade is NBC, but modern viewing options have expanded, offering more ways than ever to stream the event.

  • Television Broadcast: Tune in to NBC starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.
  • Live Streaming: The entire parade will be available to stream live on Peacock. For 2025, Peacock is expected to offer a special multiview mode, allowing viewers to switch between different camera angles and perspectives throughout the route.
  • Cable Alternatives: You can also stream the NBC broadcast through live TV streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling.

The live coverage will be hosted by the familiar faces of NBC's *Today* show: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and the beloved weatherman Al Roker.

The 2025 Parade Route: Where to Watch in New York City

For the approximately 3.5 million spectators who attend in person, understanding the 2.5-mile route is key to securing a prime viewing spot and avoiding street closures. The current route is shorter than the original 6-mile path from 1924 but offers excellent viewing opportunities in Midtown Manhattan.

The parade follows a specific, multi-turn path:

  1. Start Point: The parade officially kicks off at West 77th Street and Central Park West on the Upper West Side.
  2. First Stretch: It travels south along Central Park West to Columbus Circle.
  3. Mid-Route: The route then turns east onto Central Park South and heads down to Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas).
  4. The Long Haul: The bulk of the parade marches south on Sixth Avenue.
  5. The Grand Finale: It concludes at Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street, where the floats and balloons make their final turn and the Broadway performances take place.

Pro Tip for Spectators: Viewing spots are not available on Central Park South or near the final TV broadcast area in front of Macy's Herald Square. The best public viewing is generally along Central Park West and the upper stretches of Sixth Avenue, but plan to arrive by 6:00 a.m. to secure a good spot.

New Balloons, Floats, and Performers for the 99th Parade

The 2025 parade promises a spectacular visual feast with an updated lineup of iconic balloons and new additions. The 99th annual event will feature a massive collection of aerial and ground-level artistry.

The Balloon and Float Lineup

The 2025 parade is set to feature:

  • 18 Giant Helium Balloons
  • 33 Mid-Sized Balloons
  • 27 Intricately Designed Floats
  • 33 Clown Groups

Among the highly anticipated new balloons are Mario from Nintendo, a Derpy Tiger, and a character named Sussie, both from Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters. These new additions will join perennial favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants, Pikachu, and the iconic Snoopy balloon.

Featured Musical and Broadway Performances

A Macy's parade is incomplete without its signature blend of pop, Broadway, and marching band performances. The 2025 lineup is expected to include a diverse group of major stars and the casts of current Broadway hits.

Confirmed or highly anticipated performers for the 99th parade include:

  • Cynthia Erivo
  • Kool & the Gang
  • Jewel
  • Cast members from the Broadway shows: Ragtime, Just in Time, and Buena Vista Social Club

These performances are typically staged in front of the Macy's Herald Square flagship store, providing the finale for the television broadcast.

The Pre-Parade Spectacle: Balloon Inflation Event

For those looking for a unique, behind-the-scenes experience, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation Event is a must-see. This is where the colossal character balloons are slowly brought to life, transforming into their giant, helium-filled forms.

  • When: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (The day before Thanksgiving).
  • Time: Approximately 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.
  • Where: The area around the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side, near Central Park.

Attending the inflation is a popular, family-friendly tradition, though security is tight, and lines can be long. It offers an incredible, up-close view of the balloons, including the five new balloons and seven new floats being prepared for the main event. The event is a true testament to the engineering and artistry that makes the parade a national treasure.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a three-hour broadcast; it's a massive logistical operation, a showcase of American pop culture, and a historical marker that has evolved since its inception in 1924 as a "Christmas Parade". From the first giant balloon, Felix the Cat in 1927, to the technological marvels of the 99th annual event, the parade continues to be a unifying tradition for over 50 million TV viewers every year.

The Ultimate 2025 Guide: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Start Time, Route, and New Balloons Revealed
macys thanksgiving day parade time
macys thanksgiving day parade time

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