Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: How To Watch, Start Time & The Best Musical Performances

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For many Americans, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade signals the start of the holiday season, and this year’s parade promises to be especially exciting. The 2025 lineup features a diverse range of talented performers, including Broadway star Cynthia Erivo, rapper Busta Rhymes, singer Ciara, and country artist Lainey Wilson. With live performances from three Broadway shows and appearances by popular youth icons, the parade isn’t just a beloved tradition – it’s a reflection of the current American entertainment landscape.

No matter how you’re watching – live from your couch or a replay after Thanksgiving dinner – here’s what you won’t want to miss: the best musical performances, the most shareable float moments, and details on how to watch everything live.

The Opening Moments Will Be Huge And Extremely Online

Cynthia Erivo kicking off the Thanksgiving parade was an unforgettable moment – a true showstopper. Her incredibly powerful voice resonated throughout the streets, and NBC strategically chose her as the first performer to ensure the moment went viral. As her star continues to rise, Erivo was guaranteed to be a highlight of the morning, perfectly blending Broadway brilliance with the festive holiday atmosphere.

Ciara has a unique ability to blend classic and current vibes. She consistently delivers high-energy performances, even in freezing weather, and can transform any stage – even a parade float – into a concert venue. If she performs a mix of her songs, expect hits like “Level Up” and “1, 2 Step” alongside some of her newer music – the perfect combination for a performance that will go viral on TikTok.

Busta Rhymes truly embodies the spirit of New York City. His performances are known for incredibly fast rapping, precise delivery, and flamboyant style – a visual reminder that the city still commands attention, even as global pop culture influences it. It’s also impressive to see an artist with his stamina and breath control performing live in cold weather, making the moment especially noteworthy.

Country, Broadway, And Big Float Moments Will Help Define This Year’s Parade

Lainey Wilson has quickly become a huge star, so it feels right that she’s finally performing in the Thanksgiving Day parade. She’s now the leading artist representing country music’s growing popularity in mainstream culture – you see her on TV, in fashion, and at festivals – and her parade performance feels like a celebration of her success. She’s set to deliver a truly iconic, all-American moment that will resonate with everyone watching.

Broadway is thriving this year with performances from the casts of Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime. These shows offer a diverse range of experiences—from Cuban music and classic tap dance to epic American stories—and this variety is key to keeping Broadway relevant and popular. It allows millions of people to enjoy Broadway shows, even if they can’t travel to New York City, and reinforces Broadway’s position as a major cultural force.

The most exciting energy at the parade might not come from traditional performers, but from popular trends among young people. Labubu, a hugely popular collectible toy, is returning with a float designed to go viral online. Fans of Labubu react to the float like K-pop fans do to new releases – taking screenshots, creating edits, and sharing memes everywhere. Plus, KPop Demon Hunters are gaining huge popularity with their “Derpy Tiger” balloon, which is expected to be one of the most photographed characters. With a strong online community and an undeniably cute design, this is sure to be a major social media moment. The parade is increasingly featuring globally popular youth icons, and this year’s event is a perfect example of that trend.

How To Watch Every Performance (Live Or After Dinner)

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You can watch the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. This is the only way to see the beginning of the parade, including a performance by Cynthia Erivo, as it happens.

If you’re watching online, you can see the entire parade live, and many devices let you choose from different camera views – including close-ups of the floats, balloons, and street performers. Fubo and Sling TV both offer access to NBC in most areas.

If you happen to miss the live morning show – maybe you’re busy with Thanksgiving dinner preparations! – a replay airs around 2 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time. Many people prefer this time because they’re already cooking and don’t want to wake up early to watch.

In New York City, the parade will follow its usual path, starting on the Upper West Side and ending at Herald Square. However, the best place to watch the performers live is between Bryant Park and Herald Square.

2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Music Performance Lineup

Artist / Cast Genre What To Expect
Cynthia Erivo Broadway / Vocal Powerhouse The parade’s show-opening moment and almost guaranteed to become the morning’s most shared clip. Massive vocals, prestige energy, and a big Wicked-boosted spotlight.
Ciara Pop / R&B High-energy choreo, sleek staging, and a medley that will play straight into TikTok culture. One of the most reliable parade performers.
Busta Rhymes Hip-Hop A pure New York flex. Expect heavy stage presence, fast-paced delivery, and one of the day’s standout “real performance” moments.
Lainey Wilson Country America’s current country superstar giving the parade its down-home warmth. Expect charisma, crowd-friendly vocals, and a major crossover moment.
Buena Vista Social Club (Cast) Broadway / Latin Rich musicality, live instrumentation, and a Cuban-influenced performance that stands out visually and sonically.
Just In Time (Cast) Broadway Tap-heavy, classic Broadway energy—perfect for families and theater fans watching at home.
Ragtime (Cast) Broadway Sweeping, emotional staging that channels American musical tradition. Always a parade favorite for legacy-theater fans.

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2025-11-26 19:11