The streets became quite lively in Manhattan on Thursday as the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade came down from the Upper West Side to Herald Square. The parade began at 8:30 a.m. ET and ended around noon, making families and tourists happy to view.
Despite being a bit chilly with winds of 25 to 30 miles per hour, the show went on. Organizers monitored the wind conditions because city regulations restrict balloon flights when gusts surpass certain thresholds. Still, dozens of helium balloons and floats filled the streets, though many floated lower.
The 2025 parade featured 34 balloons, 28 floats, 11 marching bands, 600 clowns and several theatrical performances. Along with the balloons this year were newcomers like Buzz Lightyear from Pixar and the video-game icon Pac-Man. Fans also spotted favorites and some new surprises, like a float based on the plush-toy character Labubu and a “Shrek”-themed onion carriage.
In regard to the performance aspect, the lineup was packed. Broadway casts, marching bands, dancers, cheerleaders and music stars took the stage. Among the headliners were actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, the girl group HUNTR/X tied to the Netflix hit “K-Pop Demon Hunters” and country star Lainey Wilson. Also along for the ride were pop and rock acts and the iconic Radio City Rockettes, who were celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
Crowds gathered early. Some families arrived before dawn. One second grader, Laura Condi, and her mother were already in line by 6 a.m. Others camped out from the previous evening just to get a front-row spot.
“I help mommy to help to make the hot chocolate — lots of jugs of water and hot chocolate pockets,” Condi told The Post.
“I came when I was 3, 4, 5, 6, and now I’m 7 years old,” she added. “I am really excited. I went to sleep eventually but it was hard to sleep because I was so excited.”
For those who couldn’t make it in person, the parade was broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock, with a repeat scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. NBC’s “Today” Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Hoda Kotb hosted it.
By midday, while the confetti had settled, the excitement stayed present. New balloons, music and smiling faces reminded everyone watching, whether that be on the street or on their screens, that the holiday season had officially kicked off.
