Quick Read
- The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs live on NBC and Peacock on November 27 from 8:30 a.m. to noon ET.
- Melissa Peterman hosts a special pre-parade show with behind-the-scenes access to float and balloon creation.
- The parade features performances from stars like Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Jewel, the Rockettes, and Broadway casts.
- Houston ranks 12th among the best Thanksgiving destinations in the U.S. for 2025, according to WalletHub.
- One lucky person can win $2,500 by watching 25 holiday movies as CableTV.com’s Chief of Cheer.
A Thanksgiving Tradition Like No Other
On the morning of November 27, 2025, as the first chill of winter settles over Manhattan, New York’s streets will once again pulse with the vibrant colors, music, and anticipation that only the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can deliver. Now in its 99th year, the parade is far more than a procession of giant balloons and elaborate floats—it’s a living tapestry of American culture, weaving together generations, genres, and communities in a spectacle that captures the nation’s collective imagination.
Countdown to the Main Event: A Pre-Parade Spectacle
This year, excitement kicks off even before the first balloon takes flight. NBC’s Countdown to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, hosted by the charismatic Melissa Peterman of Happy’s Place, will air on the evening of November 26 at 8 p.m. ET. The special promises viewers an exclusive, all-access look at the Macy’s Parade Studio, where hundreds of artisans, engineers, and volunteers work around the clock to bring the parade’s legendary floats and balloons to life. From the painstaking hand-painting of balloon features to the mechanical wizardry that powers the moving floats, the behind-the-scenes tour reveals the unsung heroes who turn creative visions into airborne reality.
The pre-show doesn’t stop at the floats. Interviews with parade performers—including Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, and Jewel—offer a glimpse into the energy and nerves that buzz behind the scenes. There’s even a spotlight on the dedicated balloon handlers, many of whom have spent decades braving the November chill to help steer these iconic characters safely through the city’s canyons.
A Parade of Stars: Music, Broadway, and More
As dawn breaks on Thanksgiving Day, millions of viewers across the country will tune in to NBC and Peacock, where the parade will be helmed by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker—three familiar faces who have become part of the parade’s own tradition. This year’s musical lineup is nothing short of spectacular. In addition to pop and country chart-toppers like Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Ciara, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Mickey Guyton, and Lauren Spencer Smith, the parade boasts a rare convergence of genres. Broadway fans can look forward to special performances from shows such as Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime. The Radio City Rockettes—celebrating their centennial this year—will once again dazzle with their legendary precision dance routines, a living symbol of New York’s showbiz heritage.
There’s also a global touch: the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters will bring a taste of international pop to the streets of Manhattan, while artists like Luísa Sonza and Shaggy add a worldly flair. Appearances from legendary acts such as Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Kool & the Gang, and Darlene Love ensure that nostalgia is woven into the fabric of the festivities.
More Than Balloons: Celebrating Diversity and Dedication
The parade is as much about community as it is about spectacle. This year, a determined marching band from California will make their debut, a testament to the enduring power of collective effort. The awe-inspiring LEGO float, a tribute to creativity and childhood wonder, will capture the imagination of viewers young and old. The special also honors the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes, highlighting a century of perseverance, glamour, and changing American ideals.
In the spirit of giving, the Countdown to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade dedicates time to the volunteers whose passion and commitment make the event possible. From the seasoned balloon handlers to the parade studio’s craftspeople, their stories remind us that the parade’s magic is built on countless acts of dedication, often far from the cameras and crowds.
Thanksgiving Across America: New Destinations and Traditions
While New York’s parade remains the heart of Thanksgiving for many, celebrations across the country are evolving in their own unique ways. According to a 2025 WalletHub study, Houston has climbed the ranks to become the nation’s 12th best Thanksgiving destination, praised for its festive spirit, affordability, and local traditions. San Antonio, meanwhile, claims the top spot, while Dallas, Irving, and Plano also feature prominently in the top 10. Each city offers its own blend of holiday magic, from pumpkin patches and Turkey Day feasts to volunteer opportunities and community gatherings.
Affordability and accessibility are increasingly important factors in shaping how Americans celebrate. Cities like Laredo and Corpus Christi are singled out for offering some of the lowest Thanksgiving dinner costs in the country, making the holiday accessible to more families. At the same time, Houston’s rise in the rankings reflects a broader trend of expanding regional celebrations and the embrace of local traditions alongside national ones.
Pop Culture, Prizes, and New Holiday Rituals
Thanksgiving 2025 isn’t just about floats and feasts—it’s a season of innovation and new traditions. For the movie buffs, CableTV.com is offering one lucky person the chance to become this year’s “Chief of Cheer,” a paid role that involves watching 25 holiday movies in 25 days, with a $2,500 reward and matching charity donation. It’s a quirky nod to the growing influence of streaming culture and the comfort of shared viewing experiences during the holidays.
Elsewhere, pop culture crossovers are redefining the season. While not directly part of the parade, collaborations like the Fortnite x The Simpsons event and special TV episodes keep the holiday spirit alive across platforms, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge digital experiences.
The Enduring Spirit of the Parade
For nearly a century, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the unofficial start of America’s holiday season. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its grand scale, but in its ability to adapt—embracing new stars, new traditions, and new technologies while holding fast to its core values of gratitude, community, and joy. Whether you’re braving the crowds on Sixth Avenue, tuning in from your living room, or celebrating in one of America’s rising Thanksgiving hotspots, the parade offers a moment of shared wonder—a reminder, in a divided world, of all that unites us.
Assessment: The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade reflects both continuity and change. While the iconic balloons, floats, and star performances anchor the event in tradition, the parade’s embrace of fresh faces, diverse genres, and inclusive storytelling signals its enduring relevance. As regional celebrations gain prominence and new rituals emerge, the parade remains a powerful symbol of American unity and the spirit of giving—reminding us that even as traditions evolve, the heart of Thanksgiving endures.