Wicked Star to Open 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York City, NY – The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature Wicked star, a performer set to open the 99th annual event, which airs live on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 8:30 a.m. ET. The parade will be broadcast across all U.S. time zones on NBC and Peacock.

This year’s broadcast, hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, will display the traditional mix of character balloons, celebrity performances, marching bands, and elaborate floats, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus.

New musical highlights include the daytime debut of HUNTR/X, a fictional K-pop girl group from Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters. Performances will also feature artists like EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, alongside Broadway productions like Buena Vista Social Club and Ragtime.

The diverse lineup includes several famous artists, such as Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, and many more. Appearances will be made by various celebrities, including U.S. Olympian Ilia Malinin and Paralympian Jack Wallace.

The legendary Radio City Rockettes will perform as part of the parade, celebrating their centennial year, alongside other performance groups like the EVIDENCE Dance Company and Circus Vazquez.

This year’s parade will showcase 32 massive character balloons, 27 floats, and 11 marching bands from around the world, including well-known bands like the Macy’s Great American Marching Band and the NYPD Marching Band.

Among the new balloons debuting in 2025 are Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Shrek’s Onion Carriage, and Mario. New floats include The Land of Ice & Wonder and Brick-tastic Winter Mountain.

The parade will run from West 77th Street and Central Park West to Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square, covering 2.5 miles of designated viewing spots for spectators.

Anticipation grows as the parade approaches, promising a joyous celebration that ushers in the holiday season while continuing a rich tradition that dates back to 1924.