The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade hits NYC on November 27. Cynthia Erivo opens the show with power and star power. Mario makes his parade debut in a 51-foot balloon celebrating 40 years of gaming history. Watch live on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Airs Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to noon EST on NBC and Peacock
- 26 celebrity performers including Ciara, Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, and Teyana Taylor
- Mario balloon stands 51 feet 2 inches tall, marking his first-ever parade appearance
- 32 giant balloons, 27 floats, and Radio City Rockettes celebrating their centennial
- Parade hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker
A Star-Studded Thanksgiving Day Spectacular
Cynthia Erivo opens the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with her A-list performance. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress builds momentum for a celebration. 26 performers take the stage throughout five hours. NBC hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker guide viewers through the magic.
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The performer lineup reads like a hit record: Ciara, Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, Teyana Taylor, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, Debbie Gibson, Jewel, Shaggy, Calum Scott, and more. Broadway takes center stage with productions. Just in Time, Ragtime, and Buena Vista Social Club perform live. The Radio City Rockettes mark their 100th anniversary with a spectacular routine.
Mario Makes His Massive Parade Debut
Nintendo celebrates gaming history with unprecedented fanfare. The Mario balloon measures 51 feet 2 inches long.
| Mario Balloon Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Length | 51 feet 2 inches |
| Width | 37 feet |
| Height | 43 feet 8 inches |
| Debut | November 27, 2025 |
| Celebration | 40th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros |
| Handlers | 90 trained specialists |
The beloved plumber floats above Central Park West in his signature red cap. Nintendo of America partnered with Macy’s Parade Studio to create. Mario sports his classic outfit inspired by Super Mario Galaxy. 90 handlers guide the massive balloon safely.
What to Expect Along the Route
- The parade marches 2.5 miles through Manhattan’s heart
- Starting point: Central Park West at 77th Street
- Route turns east on 59th Street, then south on Sixth Avenue
- 32 giant helium balloons including Mario, Buzz Lightyear, and Shrek
- 27 fabulous floats showcasing Broadway and entertainment magic
- Performances from 5,000+ volunteers and professional dancers
- Ending point: Herald Square and Macy’s building
How to Watch the 2025 Parade?
NBC provides the main broadcast starting 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 27. Peacock streams it live nationwide for subscribers. The event runs until 12:00 noon EST.
Public viewing along the 2.5-mile route is free and open. Best spots: Central Park West (61st to 75th Streets) and Sixth Avenue (38th to 59th Streets). Arrive early for prime viewing!
An encore broadcast airs at 2 p.m. ET/PT the same day. Telemundo offers Spanish-language coverage hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow.
Why This Year Breaks Records and Hearts?
The 99th annual celebration promises to be the grandest yet. Mario fans celebrate 40 years of Nintendo gaming excellence. Cynthia Erivo’s powerhouse opening set the tone perfectly.
Broadway shines bright with three full productions. The Radio City Rockettes reach their own historic milestone. 26 performers deliver non-stop entertainment for three and a half hours. Will you wake up early for this unforgettable tradition?
Sources
- NBC – Official broadcast network and parade information
- Macy’s Official Website – Parade lineup, route, and performer details
- Nintendo of America – Mario balloon specifications and anniversary celebration
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.