The countdown is on for one of America’s most cherished holiday traditions as the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade gets ready to make its grand return. Every year, NBC ushers in the season with beloved specials, and 2025 is shaping up to be bigger and brighter than ever. Alongside classics like the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” and more, viewers can look forward to new festive programming including “Wicked: One Wonderful Night,” “Christmas in Nashville,” and the “Password Holiday Special.”
As the most-watched entertainment program on broadcast television, the parade once again brings the country together on Nov. 27, airing at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC and Peacock. “TODAY” anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker return to lead the celebration, with an encore airing later that afternoon.
This year’s parade brings a fresh burst of star power, starting with Grammy, CMA and ACM Award winner Lainey Wilson, who will take center stage in front of Macy’s iconic Herald Square flagship. She joins a vibrant lineup already announced for the 34th Street performances: EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters”; standout moments from Broadway productions “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime”; and the legendary Radio City Rockettes, marking their milestone 100th anniversary with a dazzling appearance.
Kicking off the festivities is Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner—and three-time Oscar nominee—Cynthia Erivo, who will open the parade with a show-stopping number designed to launch the holiday season in true New York fashion.
More than 3.5 million spectators will line the route as an impressive roster of performers fills the streets with music and holiday cheer. The long list includes Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luísa Sonza and Teyana Taylor. Adding to the festivities are appearances from Nikki DeLoach, Olympian Ilia Malinin, Kristoffer Polaha, Paralympian Jack Wallace and special correspondent Sean Evans.
This year’s 99th edition promises a spectacular display with more than 5,000 volunteers, 34 balloons, four ballonicles, 28 floats, 14 specialty units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, performance troupes and countless surprises—culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus to officially usher in the holiday season.
The magic arrives Thanksgiving morning, and the celebration is set to be nothing short of iconic.
