Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Brings Buzz Lightyear to NYC/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade launched in Manhattan with new balloon characters like Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man. Despite chilly winds, massive crowds gathered to watch the floats, bands, and celebrity performers. Security was tight as officials monitored weather conditions and prepared for potential disruptions.
Macy’s Parade 2025 Quick Looks
- Parade kicked off on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, ending at Macy’s Herald Square.
- New balloons included Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, and “KPop Demon Hunters” characters.
- Shrek-themed onion carriage balloon featured eight animated characters.
- Weather reached 40s Fahrenheit with gusts up to 30 mph.
- City law requires low flying or grounding balloons in high winds.
- Thousands of NYPD officers deployed; no credible threats reported.
- Protest activity anticipated but closely monitored by law enforcement.
- Celebrity lineup included Cynthia Erivo, Lainey Wilson, Lil Jon, and more.
- Broadway shows “Ragtime,” “Buena Vista Social Club,” featured live performances.
- Event broadcast live on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Brings Buzz Lightyear to NYC
Deep Look
NEW YORK — The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marched through the streets of Manhattan once again on Thursday morning, delighting millions with oversized character balloons, elaborate floats, musical performances, and a festive spirit that signaled the official start of the holiday season.
Starting on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and concluding at Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square on 34th Street, the 2025 parade featured both classic favorites and new additions. Notably, Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man made their parade balloon debuts, joining returning characters like Spider-Man and Pikachu in soaring above the crowds — weather permitting.
Temperatures hovered in the low 40s, but wind gusts of up to 30 mph made it feel even colder, according to David Stark, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Due to city safety regulations, balloons cannot fly at full height if winds exceed 23 mph or gusts go above 35 mph. While full grounding of the balloons has only occurred once in 1971, they have been lowered in past years due to wind risk.
City officials, including NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, confirmed early Thursday that the wind conditions were being carefully evaluated, though no last-minute alterations were announced. “We’re prepared for all contingencies,” Tisch noted, adding that “there are no known or credible threats” to the event, which draws over 3 million spectators in-person and tens of millions more via broadcast.
Still, parade security has become a focal point in recent years. In 2023 and 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrators interrupted the parade route, prompting more proactive policing strategies. In anticipation of similar events, NYPD officers lined the streets, ready to respond swiftly to any disruption.
The parade, now in its 99th year, is as much a televised event as it is a live spectacle. This year’s broadcast was anchored once again by NBC’s “Today” team, with Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Hoda Kotb providing commentary. Spanish-language coverage was offered by Telemundo hosts Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow. The parade also streamed live on NBC’s Peacock platform.
A Festive Fusion of Pop Culture and Tradition
This year’s parade blended pop culture with traditional charm. Among the standout attractions was a giant onion-shaped balloon featuring characters from the “Shrek” franchise, floating alongside the playful Derpy Tiger and Sussie from Netflix’s animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters.”
The spectacle wasn’t limited to the skies. Dozens of floats rolled down the streets, accompanied by marching bands from across the country, dance troupes, cheerleaders, and clown brigades.
Live performances added musical flair to the parade. Broadway productions such as “Ragtime,” “Buena Vista Social Club,” and “Just in Time” brought their theatrical energy to the streets, while artists like Cynthia Erivo, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Lainey Wilson, and Conan Gray entertained the crowds with seasonal and original songs.
HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop girl group from Netflix’s blockbuster animated feature, made a unique live appearance featuring Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami in costume as their on-screen personas — a fan-favorite moment for the younger audience.
And, of course, no Thanksgiving Day Parade would be complete without the grand finale: Santa Claus. His arrival marked the unofficial beginning of the holiday season and prompted cheers from children and adults alike as the sleigh rounded the corner to 34th Street.
Parade’s Cultural Impact and Citywide Spirit
Beyond the characters, performances, and floats, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains a cherished cultural touchstone — a symbol of celebration, unity, and tradition in a fast-changing world.
Local businesses along the parade route saw a surge in foot traffic, with coffee shops and diners packed since early morning. Hotels near Central Park and Midtown were fully booked, as visitors traveled from around the country and the world to experience the parade in person.
“It’s my first Thanksgiving in New York, and seeing Buzz Lightyear fly down the street was a dream,” said Rachel Martinez, a visitor from Texas watching from Central Park West. “This really is the holiday spirit.”
With just one year to go until the parade’s 100th anniversary, anticipation is already building for how Macy’s will top this year’s show. Until then, the 2025 parade delivered all the color, joy, and spectacle generations of Americans have come to expect.
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