On the eve of the centennial anniversary, the team—made up of painters, carpenters, animators, sculptures, welders, designers, engineers, and electricians—is honoring its roots, by reimagining elements from the parade’s earliest years, like the trouts and wigglefoot balloons and Happy Hippo Triple Stack balloonicles. The new Buzz Lightyear ballon has “Andy”, written in the bottom of his boot. This is a tribute to the boy who was killed by a spaceman. Toy Story On its 30th Anniversary. Coss says, “The Macy’s Studios team works all year to make this parade more exciting and entertaining for our audience every year. They find new ways to delight and surprise them.”
Find out everything you need about the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
How did Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begin?
Macy’s launched its first store in the year 1989. one-million-square foot New York City’s flagship store on 34th Street between Broadway Avenue and Seventh Avenues was opened in 1924. The retailer threw an open house at the 34th Street location. Christmas parade On Thanksgiving morning, boost your morale holiday sales—with a much longer route starting at 145 Street and Covent Avenue. In 1927, balloons were added to the line-up, beginning with Felix the Cat. The festivities were broadcast for the first time in 1947.
What’s the new route for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The festive parade now follows a 2.5 mile path starting from the Upper East Side Midtown Manhattan. The route starts at the corner 77th and Central Park West and heads south, to Columbus Circle, before turning east and heading down 59th street to Sixth Avenue. It then continues down Sixth Avenue straight to 34th Street. Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.
How can I see the parade?
Coss suggests arriving early for a good view. Parade-goers are already arriving as early as six a.m. on the Central Park West route (approach from west!) From 61st to75th Streets. Other prime spots Include the south side 59th Street from Columbus Circle to Sixth Avenue, and the entire stretch between 38th and 59th on Sixth Avenue. Central Park West is closed between 59th Street and 60th Streets or south of 38th Street.
Coss advises anyone bringing a child to dress warmly and prepare to entertain children for several hours as they wait for the first float to arrive. He advises to avoid strollers and large bags.
What’s in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup for 2025?
Today,‘s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb. Al Roker They will be reunited to broadcast the 99th Macy’s Parade. The parade will start with the Tom Turkey and members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. This year’s lineup will feature 34 balloons (including new Buzz Lightyear, Mario, Shrek, and Pac-Man characters), plus 28 floats (look for the debuts of POPCITY’s Labubu Friendsgiving and Goldfish crackers’ littlest float—less than 8 inches tall!There will be 33 clown crews (including new Buzz Lightyear, Mario, Shrek, and Pac-Man characters), 11 marching bands (9 performance groups), and 4 balloonicles.
