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The Official 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Schedule: Exact Start Time, TV Channel, And New Balloons Revealed

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The question of "What time is the Thanksgiving Day Parade?" is one of the most common searches every November, and for 2025, the schedule is confirmed to follow its long-standing tradition. As of today, December 20, 2025, the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to begin its live broadcast on Thursday, November 27, 2025, promptly at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). This three-hour spectacle is the official kickoff to the holiday season, featuring a dazzling array of giant character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and star-studded performances, all culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus at noon ET.

The parade is a cornerstone of American holiday viewing, and knowing the precise start time is crucial whether you are planning to watch it live in New York City or from the comfort of your home across the country. The official broadcast will run until 12:00 p.m. ET, and it is essential to note that while the parade starts at 8:30 a.m. ET, it airs simultaneously in all time zones, meaning West Coast viewers will be tuning in at 5:30 a.m. PT for the live event. We have broken down the full schedule, viewing options, and the exciting new lineup of entities for the 99th Annual march.

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Key Details and History

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is not just a procession; it is a cultural institution that has evolved dramatically since its inception, providing a rich history that adds to its topical authority. The event is a massive undertaking, requiring over 5,000 volunteers, hundreds of clowns, and months of preparation for the floats and balloons.

  • Official Event Name: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (99th Annual).
  • Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025.
  • Official Start Time (Live): 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
  • Official End Time: 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
  • Duration: 3 hours of live coverage.
  • Broadcast Network: NBC (National Broadcasting Company).
  • Official Live Stream: Peacock (NBC's streaming service).
  • Inception: The parade began in 1924, originally called the Macy's Christmas Parade.
  • First Balloons: The now-famous giant character balloons were introduced in 1927, replacing live zoo animals.
  • Cultural Impact: The parade's status was cemented in American culture by the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street.

The parade traditionally starts in the Upper West Side of Manhattan and concludes in front of the Macy's flagship store in Herald Square. The logistics of moving these enormous spectacles through the streets of New York City are part of what makes the event so fascinating and a staple of the Thanksgiving morning schedule.

The Essential 2025 Parade Schedule: When to Tune In (By Time Zone)

For viewers outside of the Eastern Time Zone, the start time can be a source of confusion. Unlike some broadcasts that are delayed for the West Coast, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs simultaneously across the country to ensure the live event is seen as it happens.

Live Broadcast Times

To catch the parade live, you must adjust your viewing schedule based on your local time zone. The three-hour broadcast is a non-negotiable morning commitment for millions of households.

  • Eastern Time (ET): 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Central Time (CT): 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Mountain Time (MT): 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Pacific Time (PT): 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

For those on the West Coast, the early start time often means setting an alarm to catch the very beginning of the procession, which is a testament to the parade's enduring popularity. If you miss the live show, NBC typically airs an encore presentation later in the day.

How to Watch: TV and Streaming Options

The traditional viewing method remains the same, but streaming options have made it easier than ever to watch the event on the go.

Cable/Antenna: The parade is broadcast exclusively on NBC. Check your local listings for the specific channel number.

Official Live Stream: Peacock is the official streaming home for the parade. Subscribers can access the live feed starting at 8:30 a.m. ET. This is the most reliable streaming option.

Other Streaming Services: The broadcast is also available on live TV streaming platforms that carry NBC, including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV (in select markets).

The Balloon Inflation Event: A popular pre-parade event is the giant balloon inflation, which typically takes place the day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, November 26) in the area around the American Museum of Natural History. This is a must-see for those in NYC and is often covered by local news.

Route, Balloons, and Star-Studded Performers for the 99th Parade

The parade's route and the entities that participate are the heart of the spectacle, providing a fresh lineup of entertainment every year. The 99th Annual Parade promises a mix of beloved classics and exciting new additions.

The Official 2025 Parade Route

The 2.5-mile route is a meticulously planned journey through the heart of Manhattan. Knowing the route is essential for anyone planning to view the parade in person.

  1. Start Point: West 77th Street and Central Park West (CPW).
  2. First Leg: The procession travels south along Central Park West.
  3. Turn: It turns east onto Columbus Circle.
  4. Main Stretch: The parade marches down Central Park South and then onto 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas).
  5. Final Approach: The route turns onto 34th Street.
  6. End Point: The parade concludes in front of Macy's Herald Square, where the main performance stage is located.

Public viewing is available along much of the route, but the area directly in front of Macy's Herald Square is reserved for ticketed viewing and is where the main televised performances take place.

New and Featured Giant Character Balloons

The character balloons are the defining feature of the parade. For the 99th Annual Parade, there are several exciting additions and beloved returns that will capture the imagination of millions of viewers.

  • New Giant Balloons: Look out for new entries, including the highly anticipated Mario from Nintendo and Derpy Tiger from Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters, which are among the new mid-sized balloons rumored to debut.
  • Returning Favorites: Classic balloons expected to return include Bluey (BBC Studios), SpongeBob SquarePants, Stuart the Minion (Illumination), and the iconic Ronald McDonald.
  • Floats and Specialty Units: The parade will feature over two dozen floats, including the "Santa's Sleigh" float, which traditionally carries the grand finale: Santa Claus.

Star-Studded Musical and Theatrical Performances

The live performances at Herald Square are a major draw for the television audience. These segments feature top Broadway shows and A-list musical talent.

The 2025 lineup is expected to be stacked with major stars. While the full list is usually released closer to the date, early reports suggest that Tony, Grammy, and Oscar winner Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked: For Good, will be a featured performer. These performances, along with appearances by various Broadway casts and high-school marching bands from across the nation, ensure the three-hour broadcast is packed with continuous entertainment.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a morning event; it is a meticulously choreographed spectacle that defines the holiday. By knowing the exact start time of 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 27, 2025, and utilizing the viewing and streaming options available on NBC and Peacock, you can ensure you catch every moment of the 99th Annual celebration.

what time is the thanksgiving day parade
what time is the thanksgiving day parade

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