Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Start Time, Route, Where to Watch, Lineup, and How Long It Lasts
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off in New York City on Thursday, November 27, 2025, ushering in the holiday with giant balloons, superstar performances, and Santa’s grand finale. Here’s your one-stop guide for what time the Thanksgiving Day Parade starts, where to watch or stream it, the full NYC route, and how long it runs—plus the highlights fans are buzzing about (Labubu! K-pop Demon Hunters!).
What time is the Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Step-off: 8:30 a.m. in all U.S. time zones
End time: Around 12:00 p.m. (about 3.5 hours)
Encore telecast: 2:00 p.m. ET/PT (same-day replay)
Quick timezone guide
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ET: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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CT: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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MT: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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PT: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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UK (GMT): 1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade (TV & streaming)
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TV: Airs live on a major U.S. broadcast network nationwide.
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Streaming: Simulcast on the network’s official streaming app; also available through most live TV streaming bundles that carry major broadcast channels.
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Spanish-language: A simulcast is offered on the broadcaster’s Spanish-language sister network.
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Free options: Many live TV streaming services offer free trials—check your provider’s channel lineup for the parade’s broadcast network.
Tip: If you miss the live window, catch the 2 p.m. ET/PT encore.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route (NYC viewing map)
The parade covers roughly 2.5 miles through Manhattan:
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Start: W. 77th St & Central Park West (Upper West Side)
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South on Central Park West to Columbus Circle
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East along Central Park South (59th St) to 6th Ave/Avenue of the Americas
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South down 6th Ave to 34th St
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Finish: Macy’s Herald Square (34th & Broadway)
On-site viewing tips
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Best public viewing typically runs along Central Park West (W. 75th–63rd Sts) and 6th Ave (W. 59th–38th Sts).
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The end zone near Herald Square has production setups and restricted access.
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Arrive by 6:00 a.m. for prime rail-free sightlines; dress for a chilly morning (NYC temps in the mid-40s°F with a breeze).
How long is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Plan for about three and a half hours curb-to-curb, including opening numbers, Broadway casts, marching bands, performance stops at Herald Square, and Santa’s finale.
Who’s performing at the parade?
A starry lineup headlines 2025, including:
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Cynthia Erivo (opening performance)
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Ciara, Shaggy, Busta Rhymes, Lainey Wilson, Foreigner, Colbie Caillat, Jewel, Teyana Taylor, Conan Gray, Lauren Spencer Smith, Matteo Bocelli
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A special K-pop moment: HUNTR/X from “K-Pop: Demon Hunters”
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Broadway casts and the Radio City Rockettes
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Dozens of marching bands, performance groups, and beloved characters—culminating in Santa Claus
Hosts for the national telecast are the familiar morning-show trio audiences expect each year.
Balloons, floats, and 2025 debuts
Fans can look for 34 giant balloons, mini-balloons and balloonicles, 28 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands. Notable 2025 additions and buzzy favorites include:
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New/returning giants: Buzz Lightyear, Mario, PAC-MAN, Snoopy (Beagle Scout), Pikachu, Spider-Man
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K-pop Demon Hunters character balloon (Derpy Tiger) making noise with animation fans
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Labubu returning to delight Pop Mart collectors
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Imaginative new floats alongside classic holiday showpieces
Weather note: Parade officials monitor wind at balloon altitudes; handlers may adjust heights for safety if gusts pick up.
Parade day logistics: getting there, getting around
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Subway > rideshare. Expect street closures along the route from the overnight balloon inflation through Thursday evening.
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Pack smart. Hand warmers, a thermos, and a small step stool (where allowed) improve the curb experience.
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Family plan. Set a meeting spot and share live locations—cell service can get congested near Herald Square.
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Accessibility. Certain viewing areas offer better visibility and barrier-free access; arrive early and ask on-site staff for guidance.
FAQ quick hits
What channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on?
Airs live on a major national broadcast network, with a same-day encore at 2 p.m. ET/PT.
Where can I stream the Thanksgiving Day Parade?
On the network’s official streaming app and most live TV streaming services that carry major broadcast channels.
What time does the Macy’s Parade start and end?
8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in every U.S. time zone.
How long is the route?
About 2.5 miles, from W. 77th St & Central Park West to Macy’s Herald Square.
Where is the parade?
Manhattan, New York City.
How many miles and how long is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
~2.5 miles and ~3.5 hours.
Enjoy the show—whether you’re curbside on Central Park West or tuning in from the couch, the 2025 edition delivers classic holiday magic with fresh debuts and big-stage performances.
