Forecasts note winds of about 6-10 mph and gusts up to 23-35 mph as the rule for balloon operations, with regulations potentially restricting full-size balloons if thresholds are exceeded.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, with a 52-degree high and partly cloudy skies, while wind restrictions may limit balloon flights if conditions worsen.

Viewing options include live NBC broadcast and streaming via Fubo or Peacock, with a repeat at 2 p.m. local time.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27 will integrate 2025 pop culture icons like Labubu from Pop Mart and characters from KPop Demon Hunters, signaling notable crossovers this year.

For in-person viewing, arrive early and choose spots along Central Park West, 59th Street/Columbus Circle, or Sixth Avenue, while avoiding restricted areas near Central Park West and below 38th Street.

The parade involves a 2.5-mile route from 77th Street to Herald Square, with safety guidelines and public viewing options, including NBCUniversal’s accessibility features like audio description via SAP.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will showcase a vibrant mix of new balloons and performances, including Labubu’s Skullpanda, Peach Riot, Dimoo, Molly, Duckoo, Mokoko, plus floats themed around Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt, Stranger Things, and Serta sheep designs.

KPop Demon Hunters will perform, joining a lineup that also features Audrey Nuna, EJAE, Rei Ami, and major stars such as Cynthia Erivo, Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, and Teyana.

Readers can find the latest parade information at macys.com/parade and nbC.com/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade.

Weather forecasts predict a high around 52 degrees with partly cloudy skies, and wind considerations may affect balloon flights under New York regulations that cap full-size balloons if winds are too strong.

2025 marks the 99th anniversary of the Macy’s Parade, first held in 1924 and paused during World War II, with efforts to reimagine early elements while honoring the tradition.

Looking ahead to 2026, the team plans continued innovation with new floats and balloons to celebrate the centennial, exploring additional parades and surprises.

A free balloon inflation event on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue, offers a close-up view of balloons and floats.

NBC and NBCUniversal anticipate strong viewership, building on last year’s record of over 31 million viewers on NBC and Peacock.

Last year’s parade drew more than 31 million viewers, and this year’s broadcast aims to maintain that high audience.

The parade will air on NBC and Peacock at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, with an encore at 2 p.m. ET/PT and a Telemundo Spanish simulcast.

The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place Thursday, November 27, starting at 8:30 a.m. across time zones, with NBC and streaming options through Fubo or Peacock.

The parade concludes at Macy’s Herald Square with Santa Claus, continuing its tradition as a showcase of holiday entertainment and cultural milestones.

The 2025 parade features a diverse mix of music, theater, pop culture, and international participants, reflecting a broad cultural celebration.

Additional related entertainment coverage highlights broader local context, including Oregon Live holiday shows and a Ken Burns documentary.

Promotional experiences include exclusive parade collectibles, partnerships with Disney, Marvel, PAC-MAN, and Serta, plus a Pop Mart showroom at Herald Square, and a Macy’s Parade sweepstakes offering a VIP NYC trip and a $5,000 shopping spree through December 2, 2025.

Macy’s Parade is set to mark its 100th march in 2026 with reintroduced historic balloons and new collaborations, alongside a Big Brothers Big Sisters partnership on the Tom Turkey float.