America’s most-watched entertainment telecast of the year is about to get a powerhouse opening. Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winner and three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo will officially kick off the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a spectacular musical performance, leading a morning packed with some of the biggest names in music, Broadway and pop culture.
The holiday tradition airs Nov. 27 at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC and Peacock, with an encore at 2 p.m. ET/PT. TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker return as hosts.
Cynthia Erivo Sets the Tone for 2025’s Biggest Broadcast
Erivo’s coming off a record-breaking weekend for Wicked: For Good, opening number marks one of the Parade’s most anticipated moments as the event continues its run as the most-watched entertainment special across broadcast television. Her performance kicks off a morning of high-octane music and dance in front of Macy’s iconic Herald Square flagship.
Following Erivo’s opener, the 34th Street stage will feature marquee moments from Broadway’s Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time and Ragtime, plus the daytime debut of EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI — the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.
The legendary Radio City Rockettes, celebrating their 100th anniversary, will also return with a precision-dance showstopper.
Musical Lineup: A Who’s Who of Hitmakers
More than 3.5 million spectators along the Parade route — and tens of millions at home — will enjoy performances by: Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luísa Sonza and Teyana Taylor.
Additional appearances will be made by Nikki DeLoach, U.S. Olympian Ilia Malinin, Kristoffer Polaha, U.S. Paralympian Jack Wallace and special correspondent Sean Evans.
The Massive Spectacle Behind the Scenes
The 99th edition features:
• More than 5,000 volunteers
• 34 balloons, 4 ballonicles
• 28 floats, 14 specialty units
• 33 clown groups
• 11 marching bands
• And, of course, Santa Claus, ushering in the holiday season
New balloons making their debut include Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Shrek’s Onion Carriage and Mario. Netflix’s Derpy Tiger and Sussie join the lineup as a mid-size balloon and balloonicle.
Six new floats will also roll out, including designs from Holland America Line, LEGO, Lindt, Netflix (Stranger Things: Upside Down Invasion), Pop Mart and Serta.
Building the Magic
As always, Macy’s Studios brings the Parade to life with handcrafted floats, character balloons and immersive design elements. To honor the Parade’s upcoming 100th march in 2026, classic balloon characters from past decades — including Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, Wigglefoot and Freida the Dachshund — will make special return appearances.
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Student musicians and performers from across the globe will take part, from college drumlines to international bands, including: Banda de Musica La Primavera (Panama), Catawba Ridge High School (SC), Damien Spartan Regiment (CA), L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band (TX), Northern Arizona University, Alcorn State University, The Marching Pride of North Alabama, Temple University Diamond Band and more.
Choreographer Mia Michaels returns to create featured performances for Tom Turkey, Santa’s Sleigh and multiple floats.
Countdown to the Parade
NBC and Peacock will air “Countdown to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” on Nov. 26 at 8 p.m., hosted by Melissa Peterman, live from the Parade’s famous starting line.
Additionally, the full NBC telecast will include live audio description on the SAP channel for blind and visually impaired viewers, provided by Descriptive Video Works.
Watch and Follow
The Parade airs exclusively on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. A Spanish-language simulcast will be available on Telemundo. Fans can visit macys.com/parade and follow @macys and #MacysParade across social platforms for behind-the-scenes content.
With a star-packed lineup and Cynthia Erivo’s powerhouse performance setting the tone, the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is primed to kick off the season with one of its strongest broadcasts to date.
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