Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Full Recap

Santa Claus Sleighs the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route!

2 hours ago

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With Santa’s appearance in Herald Square, one thing is for sure: It’s Christmastime!

As always, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their sleigh full of presents bring up the tail end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking the beginning of the Christmas season.

The couple — along with plenty of Santa’s helpers — brought joy to the millions of viewers on Thanksgiving Day. As soon as Santa finished the parade route, though, he had to head back to the North Pole to finish getting ready for the holiday!

Everyone Cheers for HUNTR/X

2 hr 4 min ago

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If you thought the cheers on your TV were loud for HUNTR/X — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI — they were even louder in person! The group, from Kpop Demon Hunters, performed their breakout single “Golden” live in front of Macy’s.

The trio, who voice characters Rumi, Mira and Zoey in the animated hit, brought the movie’s high-energy pop world to life, complete with their signature sleek street-uniform looks.

The Radio City Rockettes Kick Off Their 100th Anniversary at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

2 hr 4 min ago

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A major milestone was celebrated by the Radio City Rockettes at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

The iconic precision dance company — who have been part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade annually since 1957 — marked their 100th anniversary this year by high-kicking their way through yet another perfectly presented routine. 

Originally founded in St. Louis in 1925, the Rockettes have become a defining part of American entertainment history, performing at some of the country’s biggest cultural moments and dazzling millions each holiday season in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

The group remains world-famous for its high-kicking precision dance technique, a blend of jazz, tap and ballet developed by Rockettes’ founder Russell Markert that has become a symbol of unity and women’s empowerment for generations.

In honor of their centennial, this year’s Christmas Spectacular features a host of new surprises, including a cutting-edge sound system modeled after the immersive audio technology inside the Las Vegas Sphere that ensures the celebration sounds as bold and fresh as the Rockettes themselves.

The Rockettes have also released a four-part video series highlighting their storied history, including the fact that they were originally called the Rockets (and then the Roxy-ettes).

Earlier in the broadcast, Al Roker was joined by the Rockettes outside Radio City Music Hall — along with a special guest who was celebrating her seventh birthday. In a hilarious moment, Roker presented the girl with a Golden Ticket to go see the Rockettes perform, only for her to tell him she’d done just that last night. Oops!

Tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are now on sale. The show currently runs through Jan. 5. 

Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni Keep Parade-Goers Warm

2 hr 38 min ago

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Parade-goers at Macy’s Herald Square got a sweet surprise from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit stars Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay when they popped up in a Starbucks ad during the parade. The beloved pair joked that perhaps what they should do while ordering their drinks is also get drinks for those watching the parade.

And they did!

Cups of hot Starbucks drinks magically appeared outside at the parade — a bit of holiday magic, if you will — as did Meloni and Hargitay. Now if only those Starbucks drinks could make it to all of us watching from home!

KPop Demon Hunters’ Derpy Tiger Leaps into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

2 hr 53 min ago

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade stepped into a bold new universe where music meets myth as Derpy Tiger — the beloved mischievous supernatural spirit from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s hit KPop Demon Hunters — made his balloon debut. 

With his luminescent blue coat, glowing yellow eyes and signature grin, Derpy Tiger was impossible to miss as he soared from the underworld through the streets of New York City for the first time. Standing 21 feet tall (as high as a 2-story building), stretching 39 feet long (or as long as 5 bicycles) and nearly 16 feet wide (or almost as wide as 3 taxicabs), he was a striking sight from every angle.

And luckily, there were no flower pots in sight for the endearing feline to knock over.

Derpy Tiger is based on the babo horangi (바보호랑이), a recurring figure in Korean folk art called Minhwa (민화) or “painting of the people.” The character is often depicted humorously alongside a magpie in Hojakdo (호작도), whimsical tiger paintings that have delighted audiences for centuries. 

The paintings were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. But with the Derpy Tiger balloon, its magical presence brought a vibrant mix of myth, music and cultural artistry to the Parade, introducing fans to a fantastical new hero in New York’s holiday skyline.

Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker Get In on the KPop Demon Hunters Excitement

2 hr 53 min ago

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When introducing the HUNTR/X performance, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie couldn’t help but get in on the excitement by all wearing long purple braided wigs, just like Rumi in Kpop Demon Hunters.

We can’t say for sure, but we like to think the trio took some words of advice from our guide to attaching this iconic wig to your head — it’s easier than you may think!

HUNTR/X Brings K-Pop Power to the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Live “Golden” Performance

3 hr 10 min ago

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This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade got a major K-pop moment this year when EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — the real-life singing voices behind HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters — performed the group’s breakout single “Golden” live in Herald Square.

The trio, who voice characters Rumi, Mira and Zoey in the animated hit, brought the movie’s high-energy pop world to life, complete with their signature sleek street-uniform looks. They were surrounded by a sea of dancers, performing fierce, razor-sharp choreography that absolutely slayed, every kick, snap and hair flip landing with K-pop precision.

With its blend of irresistible hooks, Korean and English lyrics and soaring harmonies, “Golden” made for a cinematic Parade performance moment, drawing cheers from paradegoers packed along 34th Street and lighting up living rooms nationwide.

For fans of KPop Demon Hunters, it felt like the animated girl group stepped right off the screen. 

KPop Demon Hunters is streaming now on Netflix.

Shrek’s Onion Carriage Makes Its Enchanted Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Debut!

3 hr 19 min ago

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Straight from the Kingdom of Far, Far Away, Shrek and his storybook crew have rolled into Manhattan in true ogre fashion — aboard their iconic Onion Carriage. 

While the beloved green hero made his first parade appearance back in 2007, this marked the very first time Shrek, Fiona their adorable triplets Felicia, Fergus and Farkle, and their loyal friends Donkey, Gingy and Pinocchio have traveled to New York City together.

In fact, with eight characters, Shrek’s Onion Carriage soared into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade record books with the most characters ever included on a single balloon.

Created by Macy’s Parade Studio artists in collaboration with Universal Pictures’ DreamWorks Animation, the balloon captures Shrek’s signature charm: equal parts heart, humor and just a hint of ogre chaos. 

It also brings the fairytale world to life at a towering scale, measuring 32 feet, 6 inches tall (as high as a three-story building), 39 feet, 9 inches long (as long as five bicycles) and 32 feet, 11 inches wide (as wide as five taxicabs). 

Shrek and his friends will next be on screen for Shrek 5! Hitting theaters Dec. 23, 2026, the movie reunites original vocal talent Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona) and Eddie Murphy (Donkey). Zendaya joins in on the fun, as Shrek’s daughter, Felicia. 

Cynthia Erivo Sends Love to Queen Latifah

3 hr 23 min ago

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Shortly after her performance to open the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Cynthia Erivo was seen sending a hug from afar to Queen Latifah, who was sitting in the stands at Macy’s Herald Square.

Queen Latifah’s eyes lit up and she smiled back and sent her own hug back to the Wicked actress while bundled up to watch the event.

Erivo kicked off this year’s event with a rendition of “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone. With just a piano backing her, the Grammy winner performed for millions of viewers — just days after she lost her voice.

How Do All Those Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Costumes Come to Life?

3 hr 29 min ago

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This year’s parade has over 4,000 costumes, coordinated by head of costume operations Kimberly Montgomery. She gave PEOPLE the lowdown on how the whole operation comes together — from designing a year in advance to color-coordinating all the clothing tags for pickup the morning of the event.

Did you know that it takes weeks to launder all the costumes after the parade? Montgomery says the process usually takes until January before every costume is cleaned and put back into storage. And don’t worry, she and her team recycle costumes year after year — it isn’t 4,000 new costumes every time!

PAC-MAN Takes a Bite Out of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Honor of 45th Anniversary

3 hr 37 min ago

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade served a power-packed dose of nostalgia, as PAC-MAN floated through Manhattan for the first time. 

Since his debut in 1980, the iconic yellow has been gobbling PAC-Dots and colorful fruits while dodging his ghostly foes Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde. Now he’s brought his trademark appetite (and decades of gaming history) to chomp his way into a brand-new arena: the sky above New York City.

Created by Macy’s Parade Studio in partnership with Bandai Namco Entertainment, the first-ever giant PAC-MAN balloon captures the character’s classic look, complete with his wide-open mouth and determined stride. He’s even clutching a pair of shiny red cherries, the very first fruit players encounter in the original arcade game.

PAC-MAN measures 37 feet 3 inches tall (as high as a three-story building), 40 feet 5 inches long (as long as six bicycles) and 38 feet 9 inches wide (as wide as six taxicabs).

Stranger Things Brings the Upside Down to the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a New Float — and an 8-Foot Demogorgon Puppet

3 hr 42 min ago

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Stranger Things had a double debut this week! 

Hours after the ’80s-set sci-fi show premiered the debut part of its fifth and final season on Netflix, the Upside Down came to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with its first-ever float. 

The structure was designed with the aid of Matt and Ross Duffer, the brothers who created Stranger Things. “The Duffer Brothers have been on it the whole time,” Brendan Kennedy, the director of creative production at Macy’s studio, told Variety. “This is such a cool departure from saying, ‘Hey, 3D print me something from a film.’ What we’re doing here is creating a world. This is fully experiential.“

That world felt all too familiar for Stranger Things fans. The float recreated the Hawkins National Laboratory, with smoke and lighting effects setting the scene for a massive Demogorgon breakout. 

There was even an eight-and-a-half-foot-tall Demogorgon puppet towering over paradegoers. 

“It’s the laboratory come to life,” Kennedy said. 

And fortunately for everyone, the float didn’t cause any streaming services to crash — unlike part 1 of the new season!

Fittingly, Foreigner — the ’80s rock band whose music is featured prominently on Stranger Things — appeared on the float, belting out one of their signature anthems — “Cold as Ice” — as the Demogorgon loomed behind them.

Stranger Things is now streaming on Netflix. The second part of season two drops on Christmas Day, while the series finale will be released on New Year’s Eve.

Buzz Lightyear Blasts Back into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

3 hr 50 min ago

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To the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and beyond!

Everyone’s favorite Space Ranger soared through New York City once again, returning to the holiday tradition just in time to celebrate 30 years of Toy Story magic. With his pop-out wings deployed, blaster at the ready and signature steely confidence on display, the fearless defender of the galaxy showed he’s back and ready to protect his toy family from any interstellar threats along the route.

Created by the artists at Macy’s Parade Studio in partnership with Pixar Animation Studios, the Buzz Lightyear balloon is an impressive sight to behold. It measures 58 feet long (as long as eight bicycles), 39 feet wide (as wide as six taxicabs) and 45.5 feet tall (the height of a four-story building). 

From his iconic purple-and-green space suit to the “ANDY” printed on the sole of his boot, every detail has been faithfully recreated on a giant scale.

And in true Toy Story fashion, there’s one more fun fact: Buzz’s balloon, from helmet to heel, is nearly as long as four Pizza Planet delivery trucks.

Buzz will next be back on screen in Toy Story 5, once again voiced by Tim Allen. The film hits theaters June 19, 2026. 

Mario Levels Up the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a Super Debut

4 hr 25 min ago

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Wahoo! It’s-a-him, Mario! 

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., the mustached hero of the Mushroom Kingdom took flight in his first-ever balloon. 

Created by Macy’s Parade Studio’s team of artists in partnership with Nintendo of America, the Mario balloon measures 51 feet and 2 inches long (as long as 7 bicycles), 37 feet wide (as wide as six taxicabs) and 43 feet and 8 inches tall (the height of a 4-story building). It features the character clad in his classic blue overalls and signature red cap, striking a flying pose inspired by the game Super Mario Galaxy (and the upcoming movie of the same name). 

The original Super Mario Bros. game first launched in Japan in 1985. Since then, Mario and friends — including his brother Luigi, his pals Toad and Yoshi, the fabulous Princess Peach and their musical rival Bowser —  have been featured across a wide variety of games, including Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Maker 2, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the Nintendo Switch system and, most recently, Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. 

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, from Nintendo and Illumination, hits theaters April 3, 2026.

Who Makes All These Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Floats, Anyway?

4 hr 32 min ago

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The floats and balloons that dazzle millions on Thanksgiving morning are the work of the talented artisans and specialists at Macy’s Parade Studio. 

Collaborating closely with partners, the team designs, builds, and brings to life immersive floats packed with state-of-the-art effects and iconic character balloons that spark joy and wonder.

Creating a single float is a year-round effort. Macy’s Parade Studio is made up of at least 60 artisans and production specialists — including painters, carpenters, animators, sculptors, welders, and designers — all working together to make each vision a reality. Constructing a float can take four to seven months, not including the time spent on initial design and ideation.

Over 2,000 gallons of paint were used, put on by 75 fine art brushes and 300 additional types of brushes. In addition, 300 pounds of glitter and 200 pounds of confetti have been obtained for the big day.

This year, ahead of the Parade’s 100th march in November 2026, fans will see beloved elements from Macy’s storied history return to Manhattan. 

Classics like Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, the Happy Hippo Triple Stack, Wigglefoot and Freida the Dachshund (in partnership with The Farmer’s Dog) have been reimagined for a new generation. A brand-new collaboration with Goldfish also joins the lineup, adding even more magic to the streets of New York City.

Perched atop the floats throughout the parade are plenty of performers, including Jewel, Debbie Gibson, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, Lainey Wilson, Lil Jon and many more. There was no shortage of bangers blasting from those speakers!

Jonathan Groff Brings Bobby Darin to Life at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Powerhouse Performance from Broadway’s Just in Time

4 hr 52 min ago

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Broadway magic hit the streets of New York City as Jonathan Groff helped kick off the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a show-stopping number from his hit Broadway show Just in Time (that included a dance with Bowen Yang and a cheeky kiss on his hand!). 

The musical, about legendary singer Bobby Darin, is one of the hottest tickets on the boards – and Groff’s performance proved why. Known for his dynamic stage presence and powerhouse vocals, the Tony Award winner captured the spirit and energy of Darin, giving audiences a taste of classic Broadway sparkle on their holiday morning.

Performing along with him was the musical’s superstar cast, including Sadie Dickerson and Sarah Hyland. 

Sadly, Groff’s time in Just in Time is coming to an end. On Thursday, Nov. 20, the Spring Awakening alum revealed that his last performance in the electric musical will be on Sunday, March 29, 2026. His replacement will be announced at a later date.

Groff earned his second consecutive Tony nomination for Just in Time. Developed by director and Tony winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge), the musical invites audiences to experience Darin’s life story through his iconic songbook, which is known for hits like “Beyond the Sea,” “Splish Splash,” “Dream Lover,” and “Mack the Knife.” 

In addition to Groff, Just in Time’s cast includes Sarah Hyland, Sadie Dickerson, Tony winner Michele Pawk, Joe Barbara, Emily Bergl, Lance Roberts, Caesar Samayoa, Claire Camp, Julia Grondin, Valeria Yamin, John Treacy Egan, Tari Kelly, Matt Magnusson, Khori Michelle Petinaud and Larkin Reilly. 

Tickets to Just in Time, at the Circle in the Square Theatre, are on sale now.

Ragtime Makes History Sing at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 

5 hr 5 min ago

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The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade welcomed a slice of history to the broadcast as the massive cast of the acclaimed Broadway revival of Ragtime offered a stirring performance that transported audiences from the Manhattan streets to the world of turn-of-the-century New York.

Based on E. L. Doctorow’s best-selling novel, the musical tells the sweeping story of three families in early 20th-century America — one white, one Black, and one Jewish immigrant — whose lives intersect amid a time of tremendous social change. Blending fictional stories with real historical figures and events, the show captures the promise and pain of the American dream, exploring themes of race, class and identity that continue to resonate decades later.

The performance at the parade on Thursday gave a thrilling peek at the Lincoln Center Theater’s revival, with soaring vocals, lush harmonies, and a medley of songs (“Wheels of a Dream” and the “Prologue”) from the show’s Tony Award-winning score on full display.

Joshua Henry, Grammy nominee Caissie Levy and Tony winner Brandon Uranowitz lead the production, alongside Colin Donnell, Nichelle Lewis, Ben Levi Ross, Tony winner Shaina Taub, Anna Grace Barlow, John Clay III, Rodd Cyrus, Nick Barrington and Tabitha Lawing.

They’re joined by Nicholas Barrón, Lauren Blackman, Allison Blackwell, Briana Carlson-Goodman, Jordan Chin, Eean Sherrod Cochran, Billy Cohen, Kerry Conte, Rheaume Crenshaw, Ellie Fishman, Jason Forbach, Nick Gaswirth, Ta’Nika Gibson, Jackson Parker Gill, David Jennings, Kaleb Johnson, Marina Kondo, Morgan Marcell, Kane Emmanuel Miller, Jenny Mollet, Tom Nelis, Kent Overshown, Kayla Pecchioni, John Rapson, Matthew Scott, Ellie May Sennett, Deandre Sevon, Jacob Keith Watson and Alan Wiggins.

Since its debut in 1998, Ragtime has become one of the most beloved and enduring works of modern musical theater. Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens’ score features musical theater hit after hit, including “Wheels of a Dream,” “Journey On,” “New Music,” “Your Daddy’s Son,’ “Make Them Hear You” and the iconic “Prologue: Ragtime.”

Tickets for Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, are on sale now.

Broadway’s Buena Vista Social Club Brings the Music of Havana to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

5 hr 24 min ago

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The cast of Broadway’s Buena Vista Social Club injected an infectious burst of Latin rhythms, rich harmonies and colorful choreography into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday. 

Inspired by the Cuban music group and making of their self-titled, 1997 Grammy-winning album of the same name, the musical — playing at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre — shines a light on the once-overlooked artists who helped preserve the sound of Cuba’s musical golden age.

Those vibrant sounds were on full display with the show’s Parade performance. Led by Tony Award winner Natalie Venetia Belcon, the number — a medley of “Chan Chan” and “Candela” —  added a festive and joyful offering to the broadcast, leaving audiences humming and tapping their feet long after the final note. 

Performers from the cast and band included Isa Antonetti, Renesito Avich, Jainardo Batista, Angelica Beliard, Andrew Coleman, Ashley De La Rosa, Javier Diaz, Román Diaz, Adriel Flete, Josh Gonzalez, Jacob Guzman, Mauricio Herrera, Hector Maisonet, Ilda Mason, Marielys Molina, Da’Von Moody, Chris Myers, David Oquendo, Hery Paz, Leonardo Reyna, Jesús Ricardo, Anthony Santos, Chacho Schartz, Mel Seme, Martín Solá, Eddie Venegas and Wesley Wray.

Buena Vista Social Club opened on Broadway in March 2025. It received 10 Tony nominations, taking home five including Best Choreography (for Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck) and a special honor for the show’s incredible 10-piece on-stage band. 

Tickets for Buena Vista Social Club are now on sale.

Hoda Kotb Reunites with Today’s Savannah Guthrie to Host the Parade 

5 hr 24 min ago

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Thanksgiving is all about reunions, and this year the Today show team had one of its own! 

For the NBC broadcast of the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Hoda Kotb returned to the screen to host alongside her former co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, creating a sweet reunion for viewers who spent years watching them start their mornings together. (Kotb also sent a not-so-secret shout-out to former Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager as well.)

Kotb, 61, has remained close with her Today family since she stepped away from her daily role on Today back in January to spend more time with her daughters, Hope, 6, and Haley, 8. Though she’s not regularly behind the news desk, she’s made occasional visits to the program, kept in constant contact with her former co-workers and continued to host the Today podcast Making Space with Hoda Kotb.

Still, life has been much calmer since she’s been away — something Kotb has embraced. 

“Everything’s kind of slowed down,” she told PEOPLE at the QVC Holiday House event on Wednesday, Nov. 1. “Something happened where, like, everything’s in slow motion now. I used to be like, ‘Shoes off. OK, come on, we’re late.’ All I said was, ‘We’re late, eat that, go to bed’ —  like, those were my phrases. And now it’s like, we’re sitting, we’re breathing together. We’re just having moments. I love the rhythm.”

Cynthia Erivo’s Vocals Defy Gravity for Wickedly Stunning Opening Number

5 hr 40 min ago

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Thanksgiving morning had a spellbinding start when Wicked star Cynthia Erivo kicked off NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a powerhouse performance of “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone. 

The network had teased a “show-stopping” opening number from the Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner, and Erivo delivered with vocals that soared over the parade route and set an early high bar for the holiday tradition.

Erivo’s appearance comes just six days after the nationwide release of Wicked: For Good. The second installment in the film adaptation of the Broadway hit follows Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda as they navigate the events happening behind-the-scenes of The Wizard of Oz. 

Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode and Jonathan Bailey — PEOPLE’s reigning Sexiest Man Alive — also star. 

What’s the Route of the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

6 hr 38 min ago

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The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade travels a classic 2.5-mile path through Manhattan. 

It begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West on the Upper West Side, then heads south down Central Park West to Columbus Circle. From there, the procession arcs east onto Central Park South (West 59th Street), then turns onto Sixth Avenue for the longest stretch south. 

The parade finishes at Macy’s Herald Square on West 34th Street — a route that brings balloons, floats and marching bands straight into the heart of Midtown.

Who Is Performing at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

8 hr 18 min ago

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A whopping 26 exciting entertainers have been announced as performers at the parade this year, not counting the casts from the Broadway hits and the special star who will be kicking off the action. 

Here’s the full list of the famous faces fans can see (in alphabetical order) — and where they’ll see them: 

Busta Rhymes: One of hip-hop’s most versatile MCs, the trailblazing artist is appearing on the World of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Chocolate Factory float by Nickelodeon/Paramount. 

Calum Scott, with Roman Mejia and Tiler Peck: The multi-platinum, globally beloved U.K. singer and songwriter, on the heels of his new duet version of Whitney Houston’s iconic hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” will ride Lindt’s Master Chocolatier Ballroom float alongside ballet breakouts (and newlyweds) Mejia and Peck. 

Christopher Jackson: Broadway star (Hamilton, Hell’s Kitchen) and And Just Like That… actor will join the Sesame Workshop family on the 1-2-3 Sesame Street float. 

Ciara: Catch the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning singer on the Colossal Wave of Wonder float by Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. 

Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw: The singer-songwriters, who are co-headlining a Christmas tour this year, can be spotted on Brach’s Palace of Sweets float. 

Darlene Love: Beloved for her holiday classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer will “Deck the Halls” on a float of the same name by Balsam Hill. 

Debbie Gibson: Fittingly, Serta’s Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator float will feature the “Only in My Dreams” songstress. 

Drew Baldridge and Mickey Guyton: The country singers are heading to the Hallmark Channel’s Heartwarming Holiday Countdown float.

KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X of : Catch EJAE, Audrey Nuna & Rei Ami — the singing voices behind the Netflix hit — make their daytime debut in a special parade moment.

Foreigner: Netflix’s Stranger Things is coming to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for its first-ever float. So who better to help celebrate the 1980s-set series on its “Upside Down Invasion” than the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, known for their ’80s hits like “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Feels Like The First Time” and “I Want To Know What Love Is.”

Jewel: Holland America Line’s Land of Ice and Wonder float will feature the Alaskan singer-songwriter.

Kool & the Gang: Celebrate good times with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, as they appear on the Wondrous World of Wildlife float by the Bronx Zoo.

Lauren Spencer Smith: The multi-platinum sensation lends her voice to Kinder’s Fantasy Chocolate Factory float.

Lil Jon: Toys“R”Us will have fans saying “Yeahhh!” as the Grammy Award-winning rapper joins Geoffrey’s Dazzling Dance Party.

Luísa Sonza: A powerhouse Brazilian pop star with over 5 billion streams, Sonza appears in the parade for the first time on Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest float by Nickelodeon. 

Matteo Bocelli: RAO’s Homemade is throwing a Pasta Knight on their float this year, and fittingly inviting along the Italian singer (and son of renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli). 

Meg Donnelly: Days after making her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, the Disney Zombies actress and singer will be seen on the brand-new Brick-tastic Winter Mountain float by The LEGO Group.

Mr. Fantasy: Macy’s Jolly Polly Pirate Ship float will be off the hook this year thanks to the TikTok fave, who is believed to be the musical alter ego of Riverdale actor KJ Apa.

Russell Dickerson: The country star, known for hits like “Yours” and “Blue Tacoma,” will make an appearance on the Harvest in the Valley float by Green Giant.

Shaggy: Jennie-O’s Big Turkey Spectacular float will feature Mr. Bombastic himself when the Grammy Award-winning, diamond-selling dancehall artist takes the stage.

Taylor Momsen: Spotted: Gossip Girl actress and Pretty Reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsen at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, after the release of her Pretty Reckless Christmas album.

Teyana Taylor: The multi-platinum singer-songwriter and award-winning actress will take a ride on Peacock’s Birds of a Feather Stream Together float, topping off an incredible year that included the release of her Escape Room visual album androles in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Ryan Murphy’s All’s Fair.

The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by the Numbers

8 hr 18 min ago

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This year’s parade, the 99th annual in Macy’s history, is going to be jam-packed with fun. Here’s what viewers can expect to see, by the numbers: 

More than 5,000 volunteers helping the celebration happen (and 8,000 people participating total, if you count band and performance groups members).Over 4,500 costumes, most of them handmade. 34 parade balloons, including classics like Snoopy, Spider-Man and the Pillsbury Doughboy, plus new entries like Buzz Lightyear, Mario and Pac-Man.33 clown crews.28 floats, with fan-favorites like Tom Turkey and ​​the Green Giant, alongside six debuts: The Land of Ice & Wonder by Holland America Line; Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by The LEGO Group; Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt; Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things by Netflix; Friendsgiving in POPCITY by Pop Mart (featuring Labubu); and the Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator by Serta. 26 performers, though your kids will probably only want to talk about EJAE, Audrey Nuna & Rei Ami, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters. Scroll up for a full list.14 specialty units, A.K.A. the vehicles, characters and performers that appear in the lineup.11 marching bands from across the world: Banda de Musica La Primavera (Santiago, Panama); Catawba Ridge High School Marching Band (Fort Mill, S.C.); Damien Spartan Regiment (La Verne, Calif.); L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band (Hurst, Texas); Macy’s Great American Marching Band; Northern Arizona University Lumberjack Marching Band (Flagstaff, Ariz.); Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite (Lorman, Miss.); Spartans Jr Drum and Bugle Corps (Nashua, N.H.); the Marching Pride of North Alabama (Florence, Ala.); and the Temple University Diamond Band (Philadelphia, Pa.); and the NYPD Marching Band (New York, N.Y.). 9 performance crews, including A Chorus Line: The Next Generation led by creative director and choreographer Baayork Lee; Circus Vazquez; EVIDENCE Dance Company; Native Pride Productions; and 1,200 dancers and cheerleaders of Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer.4 Ballooniciles, three of which (Frost Pips, Happy Hippo Triple Stack, and Sussie & Flowerpot) are new this year.1 Santa Claus