The Largest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the U.S. Returns Next Month — With a New Buzz Lightyear Balloon Soaring to Infinity and Beyond

No NYC fall season is complete without one of its most beloved traditions — the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ! The 99th annual celebration returns on Thursday, November 27, 2025 , filling the streets of Manhattan with larger-than-life balloons, dazzling floats, celebrity performances , and of course, a grand appearance from Santa Claus himself. A true New York institution, the parade has been spreading holiday cheer since 1924 , and this year’s lineup is shaping up to be out of this world — quite literally, with a brand new Buzz Lightyear balloon joining the fleet alongside returning favorites like Bluey , Snoopy , and SpongeBob SquarePants . Before you start forming your Thanksgiving plans, here’s everything you need to know to experience the magic — whether you’re watching from the streets or cozying up at home. When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? ------------------------------------------- The 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025 , from 8:30 am to noon (EST) . You can watch it live on NBC or stream it on Peacock , with nationwide coverage of all the floats, balloons, and performances! What is the parade route? ------------------------- The 2025 parade route follows its classic 2.5-mile route through the heart of Midtown, starting up on the Upper West Side: * Starts at West 77th Street & Central Park West * Travels down Central Park West to Columbus Circle * Continues along Central Park South and 6th Avenue * Concludes at Macy’s Herald Square (34th Street) Public viewing areas usually open around 6 am , so early risers are rewarded with the best spots! The best viewing spots to watch the parade ------------------------------------------ If you’re planning to experience the parade live, here are a few tried-and-true viewing spots: * Central Park West (61st–75th Streets): Early birds get front-row views of the balloons as they lift off. * West 59th South: Great views on south side of W 59th St between Columbus Circle and 6th Avenue * 6th Avenue: Great views from W 59th – W 38th Streets * Bryant Park Area (6th Ave between 40th–42nd): Perfect for pairing parade views with hot cocoa from the Winter Village. *(Note: There’s no public viewing at Macy’s Herald Square. Avoid watching on 6th Avenue between W 34th & W 38th Streets and on W 34th between 6th & 7th Avenues. TV broadcasts limit viewing here.)* Who’s performing at the 2025 parade? ------------------------------------ While this year’s celebrity performers and Broadway acts haven’t been announced yet, expect a mix of chart-topping artists, marching bands, and the world-famous Radio City Rockettes , who always kick off the holiday spirit. Stay tuned for the full performance lineup , which Macy’s typically unveils in early November. What’s new this year? --------------------- This year’s parade introduces several brand-new balloons and floats , joining returning favorites and holiday icons! Among the highlights: ✨ New Balloons: * Buzz Lightyear (*Pixar Animation Studios*) – first appearance * Shrek’s Onion Carriage (*DreamWorks Animation*) – first appearance * Freida the Dachshund , Greybow Trout , and a new Red Macy’s Star (all Macy’s Originals) 🎠 New Floats: * The Land of Ice and Wonder (*Holland America Line*) – a dazzling, winter-inspired debut Returning favorites include Snoopy , Bluey , Pikachu & Eevee , PAW Patrol’s Marshall , and the always-iconic Tom Turkey leading the way! Expected street closures & getting there ---------------------------------------- Plan ahead — street closures and traffic detours span much of the parade route, including: * Central Park West (59th–86th Streets) * 6th Avenue (23rd–59th Streets) * 34th Street (5th–8th Avenues) If possible, use public transportation — the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains all have nearby stops. Source: https://secretnyc.co/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-2025/