In 2025, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to captivate audiences once again with a spectacular lineup of balloons, floats, marching bands, and performers. The parade, which is a cherished holiday tradition for many families, will feature some exciting new additions this year, including floats inspired by popular shows like Stranger Things and Labubu, as well as debut balloons of beloved characters like Buzz Lightyear and Mario.
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Will Coss, the executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, highlighted the significance of this event as the official start to the holiday season, stating that the parade has been an integral part of the nation’s stories and traditions for generations. He expressed that the larger-than-life character balloons, dazzling floats, and captivating performances are all set to create unforgettable moments and lasting holiday memories for millions of spectators both in New York City and across the country.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled to be broadcast live on Thursday, November 27, starting at 8:30 a.m. local time in all time zones. For those who may miss the initial telecast, there will be an encore presentation of the parade at 2 p.m. ET/PT. The parade is expected to run for three and a half hours, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with Cynthia Erivo from Wicked: For Good slated to kick off the celebration with a “show-stopping opening number”, as announced by NBC.
Viewers will have multiple options to watch the parade this year, as it will be aired live on NBC and Telemundo, while also streaming live on Peacock. Peacock viewers will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a multiview mode, offering different angles of the parade, including Traditional Programming, Float View, and High-Rise View. This innovative feature aims to provide fans with never-before-seen perspectives along the parade route and enhance their viewing experience.
Following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 24th annual National Dog Show Presented by Purina will take centre stage, airing from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in all time zones. The broadcast will be available on NBC and streamable on Peacock. This year’s event promises to be a treat for dog lovers, featuring a showcase of adorable and talented canine contestants.
The introduction of the multiview mode for the parade on Peacock marks a milestone in enhancing viewer engagement and delivering a more immersive viewing experience. Matt Strauss, NBCUniversal Media Group chairman, emphasised the importance of continually improving the audience’s enjoyment of programming, stating that offering unique features like multiview mode is a testament to their commitment to delivering exceptional live streaming experiences.
As families across the country prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade stands as a beacon of joy and excitement, bringing people together to enjoy a spectacle that has become synonymous with the holiday season. With its mix of tradition and innovation, the parade promises to create magical moments and cherished memories for all who tune in to watch this year’s festivities.