Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 Blends Nostalgia and Viral Sensations

The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade dazzled millions on Thursday. It featured a mix of classic characters and exciting new additions. The event was broadcast live from New York City.

This year’s lineup was heavily influenced by pop culture and internet trends. According to Associated Press, the parade introduced its first-ever furry inflatables. The celebration successfully blended nostalgia with modern entertainment.

Star-Studded Performances and New Character Debuts

Cynthia Erivo opened the show with a powerful performance. She sang Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” to start the festivities. Her performance set an uplifting tone for the event.

Lil Jon brought high energy to the Toys”R”Us float. Busta Rhymes performed on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles float. Ciara entertained crowds from the Kalahari Resorts float.

New character floats made significant impacts this year. The Super Mario balloon celebrated the franchise’s 40th anniversary. Pac-Man also made his parade debut alongside Netflix’s Stranger Things float.

Internet Culture Takes Center Stage

TikTok sensation Mr. Fantasy made a surprise appearance. The performer, speculated to be KJ Apa’s alter ego, rode a pirate-themed float. His participation highlighted the parade’s embrace of digital trends.

POP MART’S Labubu became an instant fan favorite. The viral creature appeared alongside Mokoko in the parade’s first furry inflatables. Today reported this marked a historic moment for the annual event.

The parade also featured the smallest float in its history. Goldfish crackers debuted a float measuring less than eight inches tall. This creative addition demonstrated the parade’s innovative spirit.

The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade successfully merged tradition with contemporary culture. It showcased how the historic event continues to evolve with each generation. The parade remains America’s premier Thanksgiving celebration.

Thought you’d like to know

Who were the main performers at the 2025 parade?

Cynthia Erivo, Lil Jon, and Busta Rhymes were among the headline performers. Ciara, Teyana Taylor, and Jewel also delivered memorable performances. Foreigner performed on the new Stranger Things float.

What new floats debuted this year?

New floats included Super Mario, Pac-Man, and Netflix’s Stranger Things. Shrek’s Onion Carriage and Labubu also made their first appearances. The Goldfish cracker float was the smallest in parade history.

How many people typically watch the parade?

The parade traditionally draws about 50 million television viewers annually. Several million more watch in person along the New York City route. It remains one of America’s most-watched holiday events.

What was unique about this year’s character lineup?

This year featured the parade’s first furry inflatables with Labubu and Mokoko. It also highlighted 40 years of Super Mario Bros. gaming history. The blend of classic and internet characters created broad appeal.

Why was the Stranger Things float significant?

The float debuted just as new episodes released on Netflix. It featured Foreigner performing their hit song “Cold as Ice.” The timing created perfect synergy between the parade and streaming entertainment.