The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has come to a close.
The 99th annual parade featured dozens of iconic floats and balloons — including Beagle Scout Snoopy, Super Mario and Spider-Man — along a 2.5-mile route stretching from the Upper West Side to Midtown. Country music star Lainey Wilson helped close out the show with a stunning performance of her hit song “Somewhere Over Laredo.” Minutes later, Santa Claus made his grand entrance, marking the end of the annual celebration.
Wicked: For Good star Cynthia Erivo opened the parade with a rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.”
Halfway through the event, rapper Busta Rhymes amped up the crowd with performances of his hit songs, including “Break Ya Neck.” Minutes later, the crowd was cheering for Lil Jon as he performed “Turn Down for What” on the Toys “R” Us float.
“Gossip Girl” actress Taylor Momsen, who starred as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, also stunned the internet when she performed “Where Are You Christmas?” to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary.
Earlier, Broadway star Jonathan Groff — joined by Bowen Yang for a brief dance — performed songs from the new musical, “Just in Time.” Pop icon Conan Gray also wowed the audience with a performance of his new song, “Vodka Cranberry.”
Key Points
- Lainey Wilson wows crowd with 'Somewhere Over Laredo'
- Labubu float makes Macy's parade history
- Busta Rhymes and Lil Jon top bill with mid-morning performance
- Taylor Momsen reprises song from 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'
- NYPD ramps up security ahead of the parade
Live coverage begins
11:25 , Katie HawkinsonWelcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Follow along for live updates on the parade, which is set to feature dozens of iconic floats, balloons and big-name performers.
Wintry weather and cold conditions expected throughout the festive parade
11:39 , Owen Scott
Weather watchers have warned that the spat of warm weather which has swept across the East Coast will have cleared by the time that the parade kicks off.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong cold front from Canada will bring an “abrupt change” which will send temperatures plunging below seasonal averages.
East Coasters can expect daily highs of between 5 and 15 degrees in most areas, with heavy snow expected across the Great Lakes.
The NYPD has ramped up security ahead of the parade amid 'increasing polarization' about Israel-Hamas war
11:46 , Owen ScottThe NYPD has ramped up security at the Macy’s Parade according to a bulletin obtained by ABC News.
The police department has identified the event as being “a potentially attractive opportunity for acts of obstruction, destruction and violence," but has not named any specific threats.
However, the NYPD did point to increasing polarization about the Israel-Hamas war being a potential security concern,
In both 2023 and 2024, pro-Palestine protestors were arrested at the Macy’s parade.
"The intense polarization of significant international developments including the Israel-Hamas war-even amid a tenuous ceasefire-political flashpoints such as recent nationwide immigration enforcement efforts, and the harboring of other individualized grievances, raises the potential for some demonstrators to clash with law enforcement officers assigned to protective details at major events, which could prove disruptive and pose public safety risks, including-but not limited to-route obstruction and property damage," the bulletin read.
There will be fixed cameras and aerial drones monitoring the parade this year, alongside hundreds of blocker vehicles and 1,400 metal barricades to secure the perimeter of the parade route.
What time does the Macy's parade kick off and where is it?
12:00 , Owen Scott
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off at 8.30 am ET and will run until 12pm.
The entire event will be broadcast live, as the incredible floats drift down West 77th Street and Central Park West in New York City.
From there, the balloons will go around Columbus Circle and head east on Central Park South.
After turning down 6th Avenue, the parade will finish at Macy’s Herald Square on West 34th Street.
There will be 28 floats, 11 marching bands, clown groups and musical performances in the parade.
Breaking down the parade: The iconic Macy's event in numbers
12:14 , Owen Scott
This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to be one of the biggest yet.
According to Today, there will be an estimated 3 million spectators in attendance at the parade with an additional 8,000 people taking part in the event.
There will be 34 giant balloons, 28 floats, 11 marching bands and 33 clown crews.
To make the parade as beautiful as possible, 2,000 gallons of paint, 300 pounds of glitter and 200 pounds of confetti will be used in the Macy’s event.
Singers including British songstress Cynthia Erivo, rapper Busta Rhymes, 80s band Foreigner and Kool & the Gang are also set to perform during the parade.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seen serving Thanksgiving meals to the homeless in LA yesterday
12:27 , Owen ScottThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as their two children, were seen serving Thanksgiving dinners to homeless people in Los Angeles yesterday.
"As we head into the holiday season, we celebrate those working every day to ensure that no one is left behind and where the needs of our neighbors are met,” a statement on Archewell’s website read.
Holly Patrick has the full story...
Archie and Lilibet make rare public appearance in sweet Thanksgiving gesture
See it: Performers rehearse for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
12:35 , Katie HawkinsonPerformers gathered in New York City on Tuesday night to rehearse for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is set to begin later this morning.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: How can I watch?
12:50 , Katie HawkinsonThe 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Viewers can watch the parade on NBC, stream it live on Peacock, or catch a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo, with an encore telecast at 2 p.m. EST/PST. You can also follow along here for live updates from The Independent.
Last year's parade attracted over 31 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, marking its largest audience ever.
Flashback: The M&M disaster of 2005
13:15 , Katie HawkinsonThe Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is on its 99th iteration, is famously watched by millions of Americans each year.
While there have been many successful processions, the iconic parade has also seen its fair share of mishaps.
One famous incident includes the M&M disaster of 2005.
Witnesses reported that the parade’s M&M balloon was punctured when it hit a light pole near 43rd Street, according to The New York Times. The balloon then collapsed as a crowd looked on.
Two sisters, 26 and 11, were injured. They were both taken to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for cuts and bruises and released hours later, the Times reported.
Flashback: The Barney incident of 1997
13:35 , Katie HawkinsonOne infamous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade mishap includes an incident from 1997 involving Barney the Dinosaur.
The Barney balloon “suffered extensive damage” amid high winds during the 1997 parade, according to The New York Times.
At one point, the balloon was punctured and crashed onto its handlers.
''Barney attacked us,'' Isabella Fasciano told the Times.
Video of the unforgettable mishap often goes viral on social media around Thanksgiving. The incident has also sparked colorful headlines, including Esquire’s “Barney Died a Violent Death at the 1997 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
In pictures: Last year's Thanksgiving Day Parade
13:55 , Katie Hawkinson
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off
14:10 , Katie HawkinsonThe 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is now underway in New York City.
Cynthia Erivo kicks off show with stunning performance
14:14 , Katie HawkinsonWicked: For Good star Cynthia Erivo kicked off the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Erivo opened the show with a stunning performance of Nina Simone's 1965 classic song, "Feeling Good."
Broadway stars perform
14:24 , Katie HawkinsonThe Broadway cast of “Ragtime” performed this morning at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The cast sang an emotional rendition of the iconic song, “Wheels of a Dream.”
Shortly afterward, the cast of the new musical “Just in Time” took the stage. The show, which premiered in April, features Jonathan Groff and Sarah Hyland.
The musical’s cast album was recently nominated for a Grammy Award.
Wind unlikely to impact parade
14:30 , Katie HawkinsonWeather presenter Al Roker told TODAY that winds are light today, and the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons are still expected to fly.
"Right now winds are fairly light, we are seeing some gusts of about 25 miles an hour, but for all intents and purposes, these bad boys are going to be flying," Roker said.
SpongeBob SquarePants balloon ready to fly
14:47 , Katie HawkinsonThe iconic SpongeBob SquarePants balloon is at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
SpongeBob will be joined by his pet snail, Gary, as he floats down the streets of New York City.
Christopher Jackson performs with cast of 'Sesame Street'
14:49 , Katie HawkinsonGrammy Award-winning singer and actor Christopher Jackson performed with the cast of “Sesame Street” at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The group performed the show’s classic theme song, “Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?”
Diary of a Wimpy Kid ballon flies
15:00 , Katie HawkinsonThe Diary of a Wimpy Kid balloon is flying through the streets of New York City this morning.
Kool & The Gang celebrate Thanksgiving
15:13 , Katie HawkinsonKool & The Gang performed their hit 1980 song, “Celebration,” on board the Bronx Zoo float this morning.
There are 29 performers and nine performance groups expected to appear at today’s parade.
Labubu float makes Macy's parade history
15:24 , Katie HawkinsonA Labubu float debuted at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade this morning, featuring the plush toys that went viral on social media this year.
The 16-foot-tall Labubu and Mokoko characters also made history, becoming the first furry inflatables in Macy’s parade history, according to TODAY.
Conan Gray sings 'Vodka Cranberry'
15:30 , Katie HawkinsonPop icon Conan Gray has performed his 2025 hit song, “Vodka Cranberry,” at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
The song is from his fourth studio album, “Wishbone.”
Busta Rhymes and Lil Jon top bill with mid-morning performance
15:42 , Katie HawkinsonIconic rapper Busta Rhymes performed at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade moments ago.
The award-winning performer sang several hits, including his 2001 song “Break Ya Neck,” as the crowd cheered.
Lil Jon debuted shortly afterward on the Toys R Us float, electrifying the crowd with his hit song, “Turn Down for What.”
Bello! Stuart the Minion balloon greets crowd
15:50 , Katie HawkinsonThe Stuart the Minion balloon, modeled after a character from the Despicable Me series, has greeted the crowd at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Social media reacts to Busta Rhymes and Lil Jon
15:54 , Katie HawkinsonSocial media is abuzz after Busta Rhymes and Lil Jon amped up the crowd with performances at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In pictures: Labubu float debuts at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
16:04 , Katie HawkinsonThe Labubu float made its debut at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade earlier this morning.
The furry characters took the internet by storm this year.
Crowd cheers for 'KPop Demon Hunters' performance
16:11 , Katie HawkinsonThe crowd went wild during a performance of “Golden,” a song from the hit animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.
The movie made history this year as the most-popular Netflix film of all time.
Calum Scott performs
16:18 , Katie HawkinsonCalum Scott performed the classic Whitney Houston hit, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
Scott performed the song as a duet, accompanied by Houston’s vocals. Scott released the rendition in September.
Taylor Momsen reprises song from 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'
16:38 , Katie Hawkinson“Gossip Girl” actress Taylor Momsen stunned the internet when she performed “Where Are You Christmas?” from the classic holiday film, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Momsen starred as Cindy Lou Who in the film, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
In pictures: Iconic balloons fly down New York City's streets
16:50 , Katie Hawkinson
Lainey Wilson wows crowd with 'Somewhere Over Laredo'
16:52 , Katie HawkinsonCountry music icon Lainey Wilson wowed the crowd with a performance of her 2024 hit, “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
Wilson was crowned Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards.
Santa Claus float revealed for grand finale
17:00 , Katie HawkinsonSanta Claus has made his grand entrance, marking the end of the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Father Christmas waved from his float as fake snow rained down and the crowd cheered.
Santa Claus’ float was the last in the iconic parade, which featured dozens of performers this morning.
Watch: Taylor Momsen sings The Grinch classic at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
17:06 , Katie HawkinsonIn pictures: Santa Claus waves to crowd in grand finale
17:24 , Katie Hawkinson
Recap: Big names performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
17:45 , Katie HawkinsonDozens of performers and musical groups wowed America during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Wicked: For Good star Cynthia Erivo kicked off the dazzling event with a rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.”
Shortly afterward, actors Jonathan Groff and Sarah Hyland performed songs from the new Broadway musical, “Just in Time.”
Halfway through the event, award-winning rapper Busta Rhymes pumped up the crowd with performances of his hit songs, including “Break Ya Neck.” Just minutes later, Lil Jon had the crowd cheering as he performed “Turn Down for What” on the Toys “R” Us float.
Country music star Lainey Wilson also gave a stunning performance of her 2024 song, “Somewhere Over Laredo” to kick off the event’s finale.
In pictures: Balloons of iconic animated characters float down NYC streets
18:10 , Katie Hawkinson
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, by the numbers
18:30 , Katie HawkinsonThe 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has wrapped up after marching down a 2.5-mile route in New York City.
The parade features 34 iconic balloons and 28 floats.
Twenty-nine performers entertained the audience, along with nine performance groups.
The procession also featured 11 marching bands and 33 clown crews.
ICYMI: Conan Gray performed 'Vodka Cranberry'
18:45 , Katie HawkinsonPop icon Conan Gray performed his 2025 hit song, “Vodka Cranberry,” at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
The song is from his fourth studio album, “Wishbone.”
