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

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The official start time for the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2025 is 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This iconic holiday spectacle, which signals the unofficial start of the Christmas season, will air live nationwide on NBC and stream on Peacock, running for a full three-and-a-half hours until 12:00 p.m. ET. For those planning to brave the New York City crowds, knowing the exact kickoff time and the best viewing spots along the route is essential to securing a prime location for the morning's festivities.

This year’s parade promises to be one of the grandest yet, featuring a dazzling array of new floats, star-studded performers, and colossal new character balloons like Nintendo's Mario and Pixar's Buzz Lightyear. Whether you are watching from the comfort of your couch or bundled up on the streets of Manhattan, this comprehensive guide provides all the up-to-date information you need to experience the magic of the Macy's Parade, including the full route map, details on the pre-parade balloon inflation event, and a complete list of this year’s headline performers.

The Official 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Schedule and Viewing Guide

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a carefully orchestrated event with a precise schedule that ensures the massive spectacle moves smoothly from the Upper West Side down to Herald Square. Understanding the timeline is crucial for both television viewers and in-person spectators.

Parade Start Time and Duration

  • Official Start Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
  • Parade Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
  • Estimated End Time: 12:00 p.m. ET (The parade lasts approximately 3.5 hours)
  • Where to Watch: Live on NBC and streaming on Peacock

For those watching the telecast, the NBC broadcast typically begins at 8:30 a.m. ET and features the best views of the performances and floats as they pass the cameras at Herald Square. The 2025 broadcast will be hosted by the familiar faces of the Today show: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.

The Complete 2025 Parade Route in Manhattan

The 2.5-mile parade route is a tradition in itself, starting near Central Park and concluding at the flagship Macy's store. Spectators should arrive as early as 6:00 a.m. to secure a spot, as the best public viewing areas fill up quickly.

The procession follows this path:

  1. Official Step-Off Point: The parade begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West (UWS).
  2. First Stretch: It travels south along Central Park West. Early viewing is excellent here, particularly between 77th and 60th Streets.
  3. The Turn: The parade makes its significant turn at Columbus Circle and proceeds along Central Park South (59th Street).
  4. The Main Stretch: It turns south onto 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and continues down this major thoroughfare.
  5. Final Destination: The parade concludes at Macy's Herald Square (34th Street and 6th Avenue), where the televised performances take place in front of the flagship store.

Insider Tip: Public viewing is generally discouraged near Herald Square due to the live national television production and limited access. The best spots are typically along Central Park West and the early stretches of 6th Avenue.

A Look at the All-New 2025 Balloons, Floats, and Performers

The 99th Annual Parade is set to feature a stunning lineup of over 34 balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups, and 18 marching bands, all accompanied by a roster of celebrity performers.

The New Giant Character Balloons and Floats

Every year, Macy's introduces new giants to its aerial fleet, and 2025 is no exception. These new additions are a major draw for both children and nostalgic adults:

  • Mario: A new giant balloon representing the iconic character from Nintendo.
  • Buzz Lightyear: The beloved Space Ranger from Pixar Animation Studios will take to the skies for the first time as a giant balloon.
  • PAC-MAN: The classic arcade character from Bandai Namco Entertainment America, Inc. joins the lineup.
  • Shrek's: A new balloon addition featuring the DreamWorks ogre.

In addition to the balloons, the parade will debut seven new floats, including the magnificent "The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder" by Holland America Line and the "Brick-tastic Winter Mountain."

Star-Studded Performer Lineup

The floats serve as stages for a diverse group of musical and theatrical talent. The 2025 lineup features a mix of pop, country, and Broadway stars, guaranteeing a performance for every taste. The confirmed list of performers includes:

  • Busta Rhymes
  • Jewel
  • Ciara
  • Lil Jon
  • Gavin DeGraw
  • Debbie Gibson
  • Mickey Guyton
  • Christopher Jackson
  • Calum Scott
  • Taylor Momsen
  • Colbie Caillat
  • Russell Dickerson
  • Shaggy
  • Luísa Sonza
  • Cynthia Erivo
  • Kool & the Gang
  • Foreigner

The parade culminates with the arrival of the one and only Santa Claus on his sleigh float, officially marking the end of the parade and the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

Essential Guide to the Pre-Parade Balloon Inflation Event

For many New Yorkers and visitors, the pre-parade balloon inflation is a more intimate and less crowded way to experience the spectacle. It offers a unique, up-close look at the massive character balloons as they are brought to life with helium.

Inflation Event Details

The inflation celebration takes place the day before the parade, which is Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

  • Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: The streets surrounding the American Museum of Natural History.
  • Specific Streets: The viewing area is typically along Central Park West, between West 77th and West 81st Streets.

The inflation event is free and open to the public, but spectators should be prepared for airport-style security checks and long lines, especially toward the end of the viewing window. The experience provides a fantastic opportunity for photography and to appreciate the sheer scale of the giant balloons, such as Beagle Scout Snoopy, Bluey, and Buzz Lightyear, before they take flight.

Tips for a Seamless Parade Experience

Whether you are watching the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person or from home, a few key strategies will enhance your holiday viewing:

  • Arrive Early: For street viewing, the best spots along Central Park West and 6th Avenue are often claimed by 6:30 a.m.
  • Dress Warmly: November in New York City is cold. Layers, hats, gloves, and hot beverages are a must.
  • Check Public Transit: Many subway stations and streets along the route are closed or have limited access. Plan your travel using the MTA website.
  • Use Streaming Options: The Peacock streaming platform offers a "multiview mode" for the 2025 parade, providing a unique perspective not available on the traditional NBC telecast.
  • Stay Informed: Check the official Macy's Parade website for any last-minute changes to the route or lineup due to weather conditions.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade remains one of America's most cherished holiday traditions, and with the official start time locked in for 8:30 a.m. ET, you can now plan your Thanksgiving morning to ensure you don't miss a single moment of the spectacular 99th annual event.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: The Exact Start Time, New Balloons, and Complete Route Guide
start time of the macy thanksgiving day parade
start time of the macy thanksgiving day parade

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