Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 Line-Up Announced
Whether you are a native New Yorker, a recent arrival, or a tourist, there is nothing quite like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to usher you into the holiday mood. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is back for its 99th year on Thursday, November 27. Here’s everything you need to know about the parade this year!
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This Year’s Lineup of Musical Performers
Everyone’s favorite giant balloons, dazzling floats, and festive performances will be back, along with a few exciting new additions.
As always, the parade will be packed with incredible live performances. Kool & the Gang will bring their iconic anthem ‘Celebration’ to life atop the Bronx Zoo’s Wondrous World of Wildlife float. Fans can also look forward to performances by Ciara, Shaggy, Foreigner, Darlene Love, Busta Rhymes, Debbie Gibson, and Lil Jon, among many others.
Broadway fans will get a front‑row seat to some of the most popular shows lighting up the New York stage this season. Featured performances include Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime. Plus, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, the voices behind Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters, will perform songs from the film.
Of course, the Radio City Rockettes (celebrating their 100th anniversary!) will perform their signature precision kicks and choreography that have been a parade highlight for decades.
Fun New Balloons and Floats
This year, four new character balloons will make their debut: Buzz Lightyear from Pixar, PAC-MAN™ from Bandai Namco, Shrek’s Onion Carriage from DreamWorks Animation, and Mario from Nintendo.
Among these new arrivals, old school gamers may be most excited to hear that Mario is returning to the Macy’s Parade for the first time since the early 1990s, floating high above Manhattan in his classic red cap and blue overalls. Kids may recognize the familiar face from the latest Mario games or from their parents’ stash of vintage games. The new balloon shows him mid-jump, fist raised, in true Mario form.
Labubu Makes Her Debut!
Parents may have heard the name Labubu more than most other characters this year, and to the delight of kids all across New York, Pop Mart’s Friends-giving in POPCITY is one of the six new floats. It features everyone’s favorite, sometimes cheeky but always good-natured, Labubu, and her friend, Mokoko.
Towering at 16 feet, the playful duo Labubu and Mokoko will debut as soft, plush-like inflatable sculptures, the first ever designed for a Macy’s float, joined by a lineup of beloved Pop Mart characters, including Skullpanda, Molly, Dimoo, Peach Riot, and Duckoo.
The Bronx Zoo’s Wondrous World of Wildlife float is back, showcasing three unique biomes and celebrating the beloved holiday traditions of both institutions for New Yorkers. Other new floats include Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by LEGO, Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt, Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things by Netflix, and The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator by Serta. Also new this year, The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse introduces the Frost Pips balloonicle.
Bands, Dancers, and Santa’s Grand Arrival
Marching bands from across the country are always a favorite at the parade. This year, they include the L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band from Texas, The Marching Pride of North Alabama, and NYC’s own NYPD Marching Band.
Choreographer Mia Michaels returns with dazzling routines for Tom Turkey and Santa’s arrivals, plus performances from Spirit of America Cheer and Dance, Circus Vazquez, Native Pride Productions, and A Chorus Line: The Next Generation.
And, of course, Santa will close the show, officially kicking off the New York holiday season!
Families across the country can catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC and Peacock, starting at 8:30 am.
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