Cynthia Erivo to Perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025

Get Ready for the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Cynthia Erivo!

The countdown to Thanksgiving 2025 is officially on, and New York City is buzzing with excitement for the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Among this year's star-studded lineup is multi-talented performer and Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, who will grace the parade route with her incredible talents. As we anticipate the 99th annual celebration, let's dive into all the details you need to know about this year's festivities.

What to Expect at the 2025 Parade

This Thanksgiving promises to be unforgettable with a spectacular lineup featuring 34 larger-than-life balloons, seven new floats, and performances from 28 artists. Cynthia Erivo, renowned for her role in the Broadway blockbuster Wicked, will be one of the headline performers, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the streets of Manhattan. The parade will also showcase new balloons like Buzz Lightyear, Mario, PAC-MAN, and Shrek's Onion Carriage, alongside returning favorites like Spider-Man and Snoopy.

"Every single balloon that you will see in tomorrow's parade is being prepped right now. We are getting all the nets down, all the tenting. We are going to inflate the balloons with helium." – Orlando Veras, Macy's spokesperson

When and Where to Watch

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off at 9:00 AM EST on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2025. The route marches from Central Park West to 6th Avenue, ending at Macy's Herald Square. For those tuning in from home, the parade will air live on NBC and stream on NBC.com and the NBC app. If you're in New York, balloon inflation festivities begin on Wednesday, November 27, from noon to 6 PM near the American Museum of Natural History, with viewing open to the public.

Workers inflate iconic balloons like Buzz Lightyear during the pre-parade celebration. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-balloon-inflation-2025-how-to-watch/ar-AA1RcdWD

Security and Weather Updates

With thousands expected to attend, security is a top priority. The NYPD will deploy thousands of officers along the route, utilizing cameras and intelligence teams to monitor for potential threats. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasizes a "See something. Say something. Do something" approach to ensure safety. Weather-wise, expect chilly conditions with potential blustery winds, though organizers are confident all balloons will fly safely.

Don't Miss the Balloon Inflation!

Join the pre-parade celebration on Wednesday to witness the magic of balloon inflation. Each massive character takes 90 minutes to inflate and can stand up to five stories tall! Spectators can watch between West 77th and 81st Streets along Central Park West. Remember to arrive early as lines can be long, and note road closures from 7 AM Wednesday.

The Toy Story character makes its debut as one of five new balloons this year. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/every-new-balloon-in-the-2025-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/ar-AA1RgusR

Why Cynthia Erivo's Performance Matters

Cynthia Erivo's participation adds star power to an already stellar lineup. Her Broadway pedigree and chart-topping performances make her a perfect fit for the parade's blend of music and celebration. As she joins other artists like the KPop Demon Hunters, expect an unforgettable fusion of genres that will have viewers singing along from their living rooms.

Plan Your Thanksgiving Day

Whether you're braving the cold in NYC or cozying up at home, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must-see tradition. Mark your calendars, set your DVRs, and prepare for a day filled with music, balloons, and the magic of the season. Cynthia Erivo and the 99th parade are sure to make this Thanksgiving one for the books!