November 26, 2025
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings families together like nothing else on television and continues a beloved tradition for millions.
Executive vice president of Live Events and Specials at NBC Universal Entertainment, Jen Neal. For the 99th parade, four new character balloons will join iconic favorites — including Mario, appearing in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. Game.
The History: The event began as the “Macy’s Christmas Parade” in 1924 at the request of Macy’s employees. In 1927, balloons replaced live animals (one report says zoo animals scared children along the route), and the tradition of large character balloons has continued ever since. The parade has only missed three years in its history – from 1942 to 1944 when Macy’s suspended the parade during WWII and donated rubber supplies from the balloons to the military.
The 2025 Parade: The parade sees millions of people along its 2.5-mile route, with televised performances taking place in front of Macy’s famous 34th Street flagship store. Planning to tune in? “The parade special begins at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC and Peacock on Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day. An encore telecast will air at 2 p.m. ET/PT,” according to NBC.”
Learn More:
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Which stars are joining this year’s lineup? (AP)
- Explore the lineup and history on Macys.com
Image Credit: Macy’s
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
