The Most Wonderful Stories Start in NYC
By NOS.3 Editorial Team | All images by Macy's, Inc.
Every November, The City wakes up to marching bands, giant balloons, and the unmistakable joy of the holiday season. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, celebrating its 99th edition this year, returns as one of America’s most beloved cultural rituals, mixing nostalgia, spectacle, and showmanship in a way only New York can.
From Sketch to Spectacle
What began in 1924 as a modest procession organized by Macy’s employees has become a global broadcast event watched by millions. Behind the magic lies the work of more than 5,000 volunteers and the creative artisans at Macy’s Studios, who design and build every float and balloon by hand, transforming imagination through the streets of Manhattan.
This year introduces four new character balloons, including Buzz Lightyear (Pixar), PAC-MAN™, Mario (Nintendo), and Shrek’s Onion Carriage from DreamWorks Animation. Alongside them, six new floats make their debut, from The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder by Holland America Line® to the Upside Down Invasion from Netflix’s Stranger Things. These new creations join a century-old lineup of icons and, of course, Santa’s sleigh to close the show.
A Musical Morning on 34th Street
The Parade’s performance lineup reads like a festival’s main stage: Ciara, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Lil Jon, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, and Busta Rhymes are among the featured artists. Broadway also takes center stage, with performances from Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime.
The Radio City Rockettes will be part of the 99th Thanksgiving Macy’s Day Parade on Nov 27, 2025
And, as they have for nearly a century, the Radio City Rockettes® bring precision, glamour, and joy to Herald Square, marking their 100th anniversary.
More than hot air
Beyond the floats and music, the Macy’s Parade carries a social mission. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters leads the event from atop the Tom Turkey float, celebrating mentorship and community as part of Macy’s Mission Every One initiative, which has raised over $13 million since 2022.
Tom the Turkey
From marching bands from Panama to Pennsylvania, to dancers choreographed by Mia Michaels, the Parade blends art, youth, and generosity in a single New York morning.
Looking Ahead to 100 Years
As Macy’s prepares to celebrate its 100th Parade in 2026, it honors its past while looking to the future. The event continues to innovate, adding accessible broadcasts, digital experiences, and collaborations with brands like LEGO®, Disney, and Pop Mart, available exclusively on Macy’s or Macys.com
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains what it has always been: a moving celebration of imagination, community, and the promise of the holidays. In the words of executive producer Will Coss, “The most wonderful stories start at the Parade.”