Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson Headline Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature celebrities like Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, and the fictional girl group from “KPop Demon Hunters.” New balloons and floats, including Buzz Lightyear and Labubu, will debut in New York. The parade airs November 27 at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC and streams on Peacock.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 Quick Looks
- Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
- New balloons: Buzz Lightyear, Mario, Labubu, and KPop Demon Hunters
- Performers include Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Ciara, and Cynthia Erivo
- Broadway shows “Ragtime” and “Buena Vista Social Club” featured
- Hoda Kotb returns as co-host despite leaving ‘Today’ show
- Weather forecast: 48°F with winds up to 13 mph
- Floats from Lego, Lindt, Serta, and Stranger Things debut
- Marching bands from nine U.S. states and Panama to perform
Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson Headline Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Deep Look
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises another unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and spectacle in the streets and skies of New York City. Slated for Thursday, November 27, this year’s parade will feature pop sensation Conan Gray, country music star Lainey Wilson, and a balloon-filled tribute to pop culture phenomena like Labubu and “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time and airing live on NBC, the beloved annual tradition will once again kick off from Manhattan’s Upper West Side and conclude in front of Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street. The event will also be streamed on Peacock, with encore telecasts scheduled for later in the day and a Spanish simulcast available on Telemundo.
This Year’s Lineup: Star Power and Diversity
This year’s performer roster offers a wide-ranging mix of musical acts, Broadway ensembles, and celebrity appearances. Leading the musical charge are Conan Gray and Lainey Wilson, joined by “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, rapper Lil Jon, Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Foreigner.
Adding to the excitement is Netflix’s fictional K-pop girl group from “KPop Demon Hunters”—Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X—performing on one of the floats. The eclectic cast also includes ballet star Tiler Peck, country artists Drew Baldridge and Mickey Guyton, and television personalities like Sean Evans from YouTube’s “Hot Ones.”
Broadway is in the spotlight with cast performances from upcoming productions like “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time,” and a revival of “Ragtime.” The Radio City Rockettes will, as always, bring precision dancing to the celebration. Students from New York’s LaGuardia High School will honor the 50th anniversary of the iconic musical “A Chorus Line.”
Celebrity appearances include: Alison Brie, Jewel, Debbie Gibson, Gavin DeGraw, Colbie Caillat, Matteo Bocelli, Meg Donnelly, Darlene Love, Christopher Jackson, Taylor Momsen, Shaggy, Roman Mejia, and Calum Scott.
Hoda Kotb Returns to Host
Despite stepping away from NBC’s “Today” earlier this year, longtime host Hoda Kotb returns to co-anchor the parade alongside Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker. Kotb emphasized how meaningful the parade is to her and her family, especially as her daughter is now obsessed with “KPop Demon Hunters.”
“It’s just such fun,” Kotb said. “This one especially. My daughter is all in on the KPop Demon Hunters—more than Taylor Swift!”
New Balloons to Watch For
Among the 34 full-size balloons and four mini-balloons flying above the streets of Manhattan, several newcomers are generating buzz. The debut balloons include:
- Buzz Lightyear
- Pac-Man
- Mario from Super Mario Brothers
- A massive Shrek-themed onion carriage balloon featuring eight characters
- Derpy Tiger and Sussie from KPop Demon Hunters
- Labubu from Pop Mart’s expanding character universe
New Floats Joining the Lineup
Six new floats will make their inaugural appearance this year. These include:
- Pop Mart’s float with Labubu, Skullpanda, Dimoo, and others
- Lego’s colorful parade entry
- Holland America Line cruise float
- Lindt Chocolates showcasing holiday sweetness
- A Stranger Things-themed float with Foreigner members
- A whimsical Serta float featuring sleepy sheep
The Goldfish cracker float returns in miniature form, spanning the length of just 14 Goldfish crackers.
Statewide and Global Representation
Marching bands representing South Carolina, California, Arizona, Texas, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Panama will add rhythm to the streets, along with the NYPD Marching Band. Dance and cheer teams from Spirit of America Dance and Cheer will also perform.
What About the Weather?
Forecasts predict a crisp fall day with temperatures reaching 48°F and partly cloudy skies. Wind speeds should remain within safe thresholds—up to 13 mph—allowing for the balloons to soar. New York City regulations restrict balloon flight when sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts top 35 mph.
A Parade with Enduring Appeal
Last year’s telecast drew over 31 million viewers—an all-time high—and this year’s festivities are expected to match or exceed those numbers, thanks to an expanded digital reach and a stronger emphasis on youth appeal.
With a colorful fusion of tradition, new talent, and fresh cultural icons, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to kick off the holiday season with something for everyone—from nostalgic fans of Buzz Lightyear to the TikTok generation obsessed with K-pop.
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