Copyright M Live Michigan
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature a world-class lineup of music’s biggest talents, iconic character balloons, imaginative floats and the one-and-only Santa Claus. Macy’s released details about the spectacle in New Yor City on Monday as anticipation builds for the annual tradition, which begins at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 27. “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the official kickoff to the holiday season and has been part of the nation’s stories and traditions for generations,” said Will Coss, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer. “The most wonderful stories start at the Parade. On Thanksgiving morning, larger-than-life character balloons, awe-inspiring floats and showstopping performances will create unforgettable moments and lasting holiday memories for millions of spectators in New York City and across the country.” The parade will feature 5,000 volunteers, 32 balloons, 3 ballonicles, 27 floats, 4 specialty units, 33 clown groups and 11 marching bands. Last year, more than 31 million people tuned in making it the most watched parade ever. Here is a closer look at what to expect during the 2025 parade. Hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker from the “Today” show will return on NBC and Peacock. Music Neflix’s pop culture phenomenon “KPop Demon Hunters” will feature with Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami performing. They provide singing voices for HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of the hit show. Drew Baldridge (country) Matteo Bocelli (Classical, pop) Colbie Caillat (pop, folk) Ciara (Hip-hip, R&B) Gavin DeGraw (pop rock) Meg Donnelly (Broadway) Mr. Fantasy (Indie, folk rock) Foreigner (rock and roll) Debbie Gibson (Pop) Mickey Guyton (Country) Christopher Jackson (Broadway) Jewel (folk, pop) Lil Jon; Kool & the Gang (Hip-hop) Darlene Love (soul, R&B) Roman Mejia (Ballet) Taylor Momsen (Rock) Tiler Peck (Ballet) Busta Rhymes (Hip Hip) Calum Scott (Pop) Shaggy (Reggae) Lauren Spencer Smith (Pop) Luísa Sonza (Pop) Teyana Taylor (R&B) Character balloons New balloons include Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story,” Pac-Man, Mario from Super Mario Brothers and a 32-foot-tall (9.8-meter) balloon onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “Shrek.” Rainbow trout, the Happy Hippo Triple Stack, Wigglefoot and Freida the Dachshund are balloons from year’s past. Floats Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, “Stranger Things” and a bunch of whimsical sheep trying to get to sleep courtesy of Serta. Marching bands Bands will travel from across the world including from South Carolina, California, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Santiago, Panama. The New York Police Department’s marching band will also join. Others Broadway will be represented by cast members from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.” Radio City Rockettes Three-time U.S. national champion figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S Paralympian Jack Wallace.
