See Thanksgiving 2025 turkey giveaway in Hackensack
With SNAP benefits cancelled during the government shutdown, All Access Community Development Corporation, a Hackensack non-profit, is doing an early distributions of turkeys.
The holiday season has officially arrived and one of the nation’s largest holiday parades around, the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, will be here before we know it.
The 99th marching of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27. This year’s event will feature 34 balloons, 28 floats, 26 performers, 33 clown crews and, of course, the annual arrival of Santa Claus to close out the parade.
Between new larger-than-life character balloons, an iconic lineup of star-studded appearances and fun performances, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC
For those planning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of their home, it will air from 8:30 a.m. to noon on NBC and Telemundo, as well as stream live on Peacock.
And for those planning to make the trip into Manhattan to see this iconic event in person, there are some more details you’ll need to know.\
Where does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The parade will step off at 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. It will march its 2.5-mile route from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turn east onto Central Park South and head south on 6th Avenue before turning west at 34th Street and ending at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
What time should I go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Spectators should arrive around 6 a.m., or even earlier, to secure a good spot in one of the designated public viewing areas along the parade route. The viewing areas, which will be managed by the New York Police Department, are located along Central Park West between West 75th Street and West 61st Street; as well as anywhere along 6th Avenue between West 59th Street and West 38th Street.
Where can I see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Areas where either no public viewing is permitted, or viewing is limited due to the national T.V. broadcast, are located at Central Park West and West 77th Street; Central Park West between 60th Street and West 59th Street; Central Park South between Columbus Circle and 6th Avenue; 6th Avenue between West 38th Street and West 34th Street; and West 34th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue.
What can I bring to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? What is prohibited?
Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas and strollers are prohibited, and spectators entering public viewing areas may be subject to a security search.
What are the new Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons?
Several new character balloons will be making an appearance in this year’s parade, either for the first time ever or after a long hiatus. This includes Buzz Lightyear, Mario, PAC-MAN and the Frost Pips from Santaverse, as well as Derpy Tiger, Susie and Flowerpop from KPop Demon Hunters. Other new additions are Shrek’s Onion Carriage and the Happy Hippo Triple Stack.
As for the balloons that will be making their grand return, look out for Beagle Scout Snoopy, Bluey, Smokey Bear, Pikachu & Eevee and Stuart the Minion, among others.
If you want to get a sneak peak of this year’s balloons as they’re being inflated, visit the Macy’s Balloon Inflation Celebration on Thanksgiving Eve, which has been a tradition since 1994. Starting at noon on Nov. 26, you can enter the viewing area at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Then from 1 to 6 p.m., you can watch as the balloons are prepped from 77th to 81st Streets, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
Who is performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
From musical guests to feature performances, there will once again be a full list of star-studded appearances at this year’s parade.
Among the musical guests scheduled to appear are Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Russell Dickerson, Busta Rhymes and Gavin DeGraw. Other appearances include the Radio City Rockettes, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2025, and U.S. Olympian Ilia Malinin.
The parade will also feature performances from three Broadway shows: “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.” Other groups like Circus Vazquez, Spirit of America Dance Stars and Native Pride Productions will also be there.
Who is marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
There will also be marching banks from Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Arizona, Alabama, Texas, California, South Carolina, Mississippi and Panama. The Macy’s Great American Marching Bank and the New York City Police Department Marching Band will also be in attendance.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.
