A Tradition to be Thankful For

The 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Photo from Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

On Nov. 27, 2025, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade commenced. For the past 99 Thanksgivings, gigantic balloons have soared the New York City skies as memorable performers have taken the stage in front of the iconic Macy’s department store. Today, the parade remains a beloved American tradition, with millions of people attending in person or watching from home.

This year, the parade featured 38 balloons, including fan favorites such as Snoopy and new faces such as Pac-Man. Four of the balloons were Macy’s’ renowned balloonicles. Balloonicles, balloons with a vehicle inside, are a Macy’s original. This year’s balloonicles included the Happy Hippo Triple Stack, a take on Macy’s’ traditional Happy Hippos. 

In addition to the balloons, 38 performers and performance groups entertained viewers with songs and dances. While larger groups, such as the Radio City Rockettes, performed in front of the iconic store, individual singers took the stage on one of the 28 floats present in the parade.

Not only does the parade celebrate Thanksgiving, but it also gets audiences excited for the holidays. This year’s parade ended with the annual Santa Claus float, where he and his elves ushered in the Christmas cheer.