The “KPop Demon Hunters” and a new Labubu balloon are taking over the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as organizers look to showcase the latest hot kids’ trends.
This year’s parade will have 32 oversized balloons traveling from Central Park West, down Sixth Avenue to Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square on 34th Street. The balloons will be interspersed with clowns, 27 floats, 11 marching bands and performances by pop stars and Long Island’s own hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes and singer Debbie Gibson, Broadway musical numbers and, of course, concluding with Santa Claus riding his sleigh to kick off the Christmas season.
“On Thanksgiving morning, larger-than-life character balloons, awe-inspiring floats and showstopping performances will create unforgettable and lasting holiday memories for millions of spectators in New York City and across the country,” Macy’s parade producer Will Coss said in a statement.
The parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. Thursday from 77th Street, as the 2.5-mile route makes its way past Columbus Circle, down Sixth Avenue to 34th Street. The parade will be broadcast on NBC and opened by “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. It typically draws more than 3 million spectators lining Manhattan streets and a national television audience of more than 50 million viewers.
Those looking to watch the parade in person may arrive at 6 a.m. on Central Park West from West 75th Street to West 63rd Street. Spectators also can gather on West 59th Street South and on Sixth Avenue from West 59th to 38th streets.
A performance by the musical group, HUNTR/X from the “KPop Demon Hunters” movie and a new balloon of the movie’s big blue tiger, Derpy, premieres for the South Korean phenomena as part of this year’s parade.
Spider-Man was among the balloons at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28, 2024 in Manhattan. Credit: Getty Images/Craig T Fruchtman
The two-story tall, 39-foot-long Derpy balloon is one of 34 balloons this year, and five new entries in addition to “Toy Story’s” Buzz Lightyear, Nintendo’s Mario, Pac-Man and Shrek. They join returning favorites Snoopy, Bluey, Spider-Man and SpongeBob.
A 16-foot-tall Labubu, the popular fuzzy and demonic toy collectable, will make its debut on the Pop Mart “POPCITY” float in the parade.
The Macy’s Television performance, which will have limited spectator viewing, will feature acts from such Broadway shows as “Ragtime,” “Buena Vista Social Club” and the Bobby Darin musical, “Just in Time.”
Other performers will be the Radio City Rockettes, soul and Christmas singer Darlene Love, Disney’s “Zombies” franchise star Meg Donnelly, now performing in “Moulin Rouge!” and “Hamilton” star Christopher Jackson.
The parade will have marching bands from around the country, including the NYPD Police Band.
The NYPD said it planned to announce security for the parade next week, including road closures.
Macy’s will look to mark its centennial parade next year and incorporate its history this year with classic star balloons and the earliest floats. Officials said the parade started in 1924, but it was canceled from 1942 to 1944 during World War II, when materials such as rubber were saved for the troops at war.
“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will celebrate its 100th march in 2026, continuing a tradition that has brought joy and lasting memories to generations worldwide,” organizers said in a statement.
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
