Labubu and 'KPop Demon Hunters' to dazzle at Macy's Thanksgiving Day
Parade. Here's what to know
[November 19, 2025]
By MARK KENNEDY
NEW YORK (AP) — Two things that made massive cultural splashes this year
— Labubu and “KPop Demon Hunters” — will fill the sky and streets of New
York when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off this year.
The Nov. 27 parade begins rain or shine on Manhattan’s Upper West Side
and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which
serves as a stage and backdrop for performances. It will feature 34
balloons, four mini-balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups and 11 marching
bands — all leading the way for Santa Claus.
Here’s key things to know about the parade and how to watch it.
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
It starts at 8:30 a.m. Eastern and airs at that time in all time zones.
What channel is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on?
It will be on NBC, available with an antenna or through cable and
satellite providers.
What if I want to stream it?
For cord cutters, the parade is being simulcast on Peacock and an encore
telecast begins at 2 p.m. EST/PST. A Spanish language simulcast will
also be on Telemundo.
Last year, more than 31 million people tuned in on NBC and Peacock, up
10% from the previous year and marking the biggest audience ever for the
parade.
What’s the weather going to be like?
The Weather Channel predicts a high of 52 degrees and a partly cloudy
day, with winds up to 10 mph. AccuWeather also predicts 52 degrees with
intervals of clouds and sunshine and a passing shower and winds at 6
mph. New York City law prohibits Macy’s from flying the full-size
balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or wind gusts are over 35 mph.
Who are some of the stars performing?
“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will kick off a starry show. Audrey Nuna,
EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of
the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” will feature alongside Ciara,
Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton and
Teyana. An eclectic group of stars — from ballet dancer Tiler Peck to
YouTube’s “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans — will join the annual holiday
kick-off.
Broadway will be represented by cast members from “Buena Vista Social
Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime,” while the Radio City Rockettes will
be there and some serious athletes — three-time U.S. national champion
figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S Paralympian Jack Wallace. Alumni and
students at LaGuardia High School in New York City — the school featured
in the movie and TV series “Fame” — will help celebrate the 50th
anniversary of “A Chorus Line.”
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Sheep adorn a float by Serta during a press preview of the new
floats at Macy's Parade Studio in Moonachie, N.J., Tuesday, Nov. 18,
2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
 Others on hand will be Jewel, Debbie
Gibson, Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw,
Meg Donnelly, Christopher Jackson, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor
Momsen, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith and Luísa Sonza.
Who is hosting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
For those watching on TV or computers, the trio of hosting stalwarts
— Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker from “Today” and their former
colleague Hoda Kotb. On Telemundo, the hosts will be Andrea Meza,
Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow.
What are the new balloons?
This year, four new featured character balloons will debut,
including Buzz Lightyear, 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.” “KPop Demon Hunters”
will also be represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger
and Sussie.
What about new floats?
Several new floats will debut this year, including the first Pop
Mart float, with Labubu, Skullpanda, Peach Riot, Dimoo, Molly,
Duckoo and Mokoko. There will also be floats from Holland America
Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, “Stranger Things” featuring members of
Foreigner, and a bunch of whimsical sheep trying to get to sleep
courtesy of Serta. The fish-shaped snack Goldfish is returning to
the parade with a tiny float that measures just 14 Goldfish crackers
long.
Is your state represented by any of the bands?
The marching bands will hail 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. There will also be dancers and cheerleaders from
Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer.
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