For nearly a century, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has remained one of America’s most beloved cultural traditions, a celebration of music, creativity, and community watched by millions across the country. As Thanksgiving approaches, excitement is already building for this year’s parade, with new floats, star-studded performances, and record-breaking balloons set to take over the streets of New York City.

Here’s everything to know about the 2025 edition, including what’s new, who’s performing, and why the parade continues to matter for families nationwide, especially Black households where the event has become a cherished annual ritual.

A Nearly 100-Year American Tradition

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 as a small holiday spectacle created by Macy’s employees. Since then, it has grown into a massive 2.5-mile procession, broadcast live to over 50 million viewers each year.

The parade is now a cultural touchpoint, a moment where families gather, kitchens buzz, and people settle into the warmth of tradition before the big Thanksgiving meal.

New Floats and Giant Balloons for 2025

This year’s parade features a fresh lineup of giant character balloons and intricately designed floats. Each new creation adds to the parade’s reputation for artistry and engineering.

New 2025 Additions Include:

• A groundbreaking Marvel-themed float celebrating Black superheroes and comic culture
• A new animated giant balloon, rumored to be one of the tallest ever created
• A music-inspired float honoring 50 years of hip-hop and Black creativity
• An AI-designed holiday float, marking the parade’s first major tech collaboration

These additions reflect a growing effort to highlight diverse cultural contributions, especially from Black creators shaping American entertainment.

Major Performances to Watch

The Macy’s Parade is known for mixing iconic legends with rising stars. This year’s lineup includes:

• Beyoncé’s Parkwood artists, marking a historic multigenerational performance
• Samara Joy, the Grammy-winning jazz vocalist bringing soulful energy to the holiday classic
• The cast of Broadway’s “The Wiz”, performing a special medley ahead of its new revival
• High school marching bands from historically Black communities, including one HBCU-style band making its debut

For many families, especially Black households, the parade is an opportunity to see representation on one of the largest stages in the world.

Security, Weather, and Crowd Expectations

City officials expect millions of spectators along the parade route this year. With increased investments in crowd control and public safety, the NYPD says security preparations are the strongest they’ve ever been.

Weather forecasts currently suggest a clear, cold morning, perfect parade conditions.

Why the Parade Still Matters

Even as entertainment changes, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains a rare shared experience in American life. It consistently brings:

• Family bonding and nostalgia
• Cultural pride through music, art, and performance
• Showcases of Black excellence on a national stage
• A bridge between generations, keeping tradition alive

Whether watched from the streets of Manhattan or from living rooms across the country, the parade continues to symbolize joy, creativity, and togetherness. This year promises to be one of the most dynamic and diverse parades ever, honoring tradition while embracing the future of American culture.