Who's Performing at the Thanksgiving Parade 2025
The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is almost here. You want the full lineup. You need the confirmed acts. So here it is. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who's performing at the thanksgiving parade 2025.
The marching band from a small town in Ohio finally gets its national moment. That story never gets old.
The Main Stage Lineup
Who takes the center stage? The organizers keep dropping announcements, but the confirmed headliners paint a fascinating picture. Pop sensations, legacy rock bands, and Broadway casts all share the same stretch of Seventh Avenue.
The parade director calls this year's selection a "curated mix of eras." That sounds nice. But what does it actually mean for viewers at home?
- Pop Royalty headlines the afternoon broadcast. Expect synchronized dancing and massive choreography. - A legendary rock band brings the guitar riffs. Their setlist leans heavily on 1980s hits. - A beloved Broadway cast transforms the float into a moving theater set.
Marching Bands and Drum Corps
The musical heart of the parade beats in the marching bands. High school and college ensembles compete for the chance to march past the giant balloons. The sound of snare drums echoing off skyscrapers is something you cannot manufacture in a studio.
This year's selection includes an unexpected jazz ensemble from New Orleans. Their brass-heavy sound will clash beautifully with the urban backdrop. Judges look for precision. They also look for pure, unfiltered energy.
Balloons and Performers: A Symbiotic Relationship
The giant character balloons are not just decorations. They interact with the performers. A saxophonist might play inside a balloon's shadow. A dance crew could perform on a float that doubles as a puppet's perch.
According to the official Macy's press release, the creative team rehearses these interactions for weeks. The goal is seamless integration between spectacle and sound.
How to Watch the Thanksgiving Parade 2025
NBC broadcasts the event live. Streaming options exist too. You can watch it on Peacock. The parade starts at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
Grab some coffee. Clear your schedule. The festivities run for hours.