Parade basics and how to follow official announcements
Macy's Thanksgiving Parade typically runs on Thanksgiving morning in New York City, with most large balloon flights and main-stage performances scheduled between about 9 a.m. and noon. For the 2025 edition, organizers have not yet released exact start times, performer lineups, or route details. Because timing can shift due to weather, logistics, and city approvals, the most reliable approach is to track official channels close to the event. This page explains how the parade is structured, what usually happens and when, and how to confirm 2025 specifics when they become available.
Historical schedule patterns and typical timing
Since 2022, Macy's has generally begun the televised portion of the parade between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving in New York. Key patterns include a morning start designed for both in-person attendance and national television windows, with major units and balloons staged across multiple zones. Floats, performers, and marching bands usually move in a set sequence from 77th Street and Central Park West toward Herald Square. Because Thanksgiving is a moveable holiday (the fourth Thursday in November), the parade date changes each year, which affects when the 2025 schedule can be finalized.
Typical parade order (illustrative)
| Segment | Typical Time Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff and early units | 9:00–9:30 a.m. | Local groups and smaller entries |
| Balloon flights and main acts | 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. | High-profile balloons and celebrity performances |
| Final segments and Santa | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Closing units and arrival of Santa Claus |
Where to find official 2025 times and updates
Because exact 2025 start times and performance details are not yet published, rely on primary sources for the most accurate information. Macy's corporate site, the parade's dedicated microsite, and verified social accounts are updated first when plans are confirmed. Local TV affiliates in New York broadcast the event live and often publish preview schedules and traffic plans. Expect the official timeline to appear online in late summer or early fall 2025, typically aligned with the Thanksgiving date (fourth Thursday in November).
Practical steps before the 2025 schedule is announced
- Check the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade official website for updates starting in late summer.
- Follow Macy's and the parade's verified social channels for real-time announcements.
- Monitor local New York TV station schedules the week of Thanksgiving for any route or timing changes.
- Plan travel and arrival times conservatively, as street closures and security lines can affect access.
Route, access, and planning considerations
The traditional route runs from 77th Street and Central Park West down Central Park West, then turns east on 67th Street, north on Central Park West, and finishes at Herald Square. Street closures begin the day before and the morning of the parade, so public transit is strongly recommended. When the 2025 route and timing are confirmed, cross-check parking restrictions, subway changes, and shuttle locations. For viewers elsewhere, NBC's national broadcast usually follows a condensed, edited version later the same day.
Broadcast, streaming, and viewing options
In addition to the in-person experience, the parade reaches audiences through several reliable channels. NBC airs the national televised version, while Macy's digital platforms and selected partners may offer live streams. Because broadcast windows and editing can differ from the live sequence, check network listings for exact air times. If you plan to watch live from home, confirm streaming availability and any regional restrictions closer to the event.
What to expect when 2025 details are released
Once Macy's publishes the 2025 schedule, treat the official times as the baseline, and adjust for any last-minute changes due to weather or operational needs. Use the microsite and trusted local news sources to confirm viewing spots, transportation plans, and performer details. Because the parade has many moving parts, small timing adjustments can occur, but the core schedule—morning start, Thanksgiving day, and a mid-morning finish—has remained consistent in recent years.