The Star-Studded Lineup: 29 Must-See Performers At The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to deliver one of its most electrifying and star-studded lineups in recent memory, promising a spectacular morning of music, floats, and colossal balloons. As of this December 20, 2025, the full list of musical acts and celebrities has been confirmed, featuring a diverse roster of 29 performers spanning rock, pop, hip-hop, country, and Broadway. This year’s parade, a cornerstone of the holiday season, will once again transform the streets of New York City into a vibrant stage, captivating millions of viewers across the nation and around the globe.

The annual spectacle, broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, is more than just a parade; it’s a showcase of American culture, entertainment, and holiday spirit. From chart-topping artists to Tony Award-winning talent, the 2025 edition brings together an incredible mix of musical legends and contemporary stars, ensuring there is something for every generation to enjoy as they gather with family on Thanksgiving morning.

The Complete List of 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Performers

The 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has unveiled a massive lineup of talent that will perform from atop the iconic, elaborate floats. This year's roster of musical guests and celebrities is packed with both legendary names and current chart-toppers, creating a powerful blend of nostalgia and contemporary hits. The confirmed list of 29 performers ensures the three-hour telecast will be a non-stop musical feast.

Busta Rhymes (Hip-Hop Icon)
Calum Scott (Pop Singer/Songwriter)
Christopher Jackson (Broadway Star, Hamilton)
Ciara (R&B/Pop Superstar)
Colbie Caillat (Grammy-Winning Pop Artist)
Cynthia Erivo (Oscar-Nominated, Star of Wicked: For Good)
Darlene Love (Rock and Roll Hall of Famer)
Debbie Gibson (Pop Music Legend)
Drew Baldridge (Country Music Artist)
EJAE (Rising Pop Artist)
Foreigner (Classic Rock Band)
Gavin DeGraw (Pop/Rock Singer)
Jewel (Multi-Platinum Singer/Songwriter)
Kool & the Gang (R&B/Funk Legends)
Lainey Wilson (CMA Award-Winning Country Star)
Lil Jon (Rapper and Producer)
Matteo Bocelli (Italian Tenor)
Meg Donnelly (Actress and Singer)
Mickey Guyton (Grammy-Nominated Country Artist)
Mr. Taymar (Musical Artist)
Shaggy (Reggae/Dancehall Star)
Teyana Taylor (R&B Singer and Actress)

This extensive list showcases the parade’s commitment to musical diversity, bringing together different genres to appeal to the massive television audience. Fans of classic rock will be thrilled by the presence of Foreigner and Kool & the Gang, while pop enthusiasts can look forward to performances from Ciara and Debbie Gibson. The country music scene is well-represented by stars like Lainey Wilson and Mickey Guyton, and hip-hop/R&B fans will get major performances from Busta Rhymes, Lil Jon, and Teyana Taylor.

Broadway’s Biggest Stars and Theatrical Showcases

No Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is complete without a thrilling showcase of the best of Broadway. The 2025 parade will feature highly anticipated performances from several of the Great White Way’s current and upcoming hits, offering a taste of New York's unparalleled theater scene. These segments are traditionally performed right in front of the Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square, making for a truly spectacular visual.

The lineup includes the cast performances from the following critically acclaimed shows:

Wicked: For Good: Featuring a special appearance by the film's star, Cynthia Erivo, this performance will build excitement for the upcoming cinematic event.
Just In Time: A highly anticipated new musical.
Ragtime: A revival of the celebrated musical.
Buena Vista Social Club: Bringing the vibrant rhythms of Cuba to the parade route.

These theatrical showcases add a layer of cultural richness to the parade, highlighting the incredible talent and artistry that defines the New York theater district. The presence of Cynthia Erivo, a major star in both film and theater, further elevates the prestige of the event.

New Balloons, Iconic Floats, and Parade Highlights

Beyond the musical acts and celebrities, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is globally famous for its spectacular floats and immense character balloons. The 2025 parade will continue this tradition with the debut of several exciting new giants floating through the Manhattan skyline. These new additions are a major draw for families and animation enthusiasts, adding fresh excitement to the procession.

Four brand-new featured character balloons are set to debut this year, including:

Buzz Lightyear: The beloved Space Ranger from Pixar's Toy Story franchise.
Pac-Man: The iconic video game character, making a highly anticipated appearance.
Mario from Super Mario Brothers: The legendary Nintendo mascot, a huge win for gaming fans.
A 32-foot-tall Balloon Onion: A whimsical, giant vegetable that is sure to be a memorable new sight.

These new balloons will join the ranks of classic favorites and other returning giants, including the iconic Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Pillsbury Doughboy, among others. The combination of these massive, colorful balloons and the intricately designed floats—each carrying a celebrity performer—creates the visual spectacle that the parade is known for. The floats themselves are often works of art, providing the perfect backdrop for performances by stars like Jewel and Gavin DeGraw.

The parade will also feature the traditional marching bands from across the country, high-energy dance troupes, and the always-anticipated appearance of Santa Claus, officially ushering in the holiday season. The 2025 parade route, which remains largely consistent, allows millions of spectators to gather and witness the procession in person, though the best views are often secured by watching the live broadcast, which provides close-ups of the performances and interviews with the celebrity guests. The entire event is a massive undertaking, involving thousands of volunteers and months of planning to ensure a smooth and dazzling display.

Why the 2025 Lineup is a Must-Watch

The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup is strategically curated to capture a massive, cross-generational audience. The inclusion of stars like Darlene Love, known for her classic holiday hits, alongside contemporary artists like Lil Jon and Teyana Taylor, ensures maximum viewership. The parade serves as a powerful promotional platform, giving artists the chance to perform in front of one of the largest live television audiences of the year.

The presence of major movie and gaming characters as new balloons, such as Buzz Lightyear and Mario, also ties the event into current pop culture trends, making it highly relevant to younger viewers. Whether you are tuning in to see the powerhouse vocals of Cynthia Erivo, the country charm of Lainey Wilson, or the iconic hits of Foreigner, the 2025 parade is shaping up to be an unmissable holiday tradition. Mark your calendars for Thanksgiving morning to catch all the excitement, music, and colorful pageantry live from New York City.

The Star-Studded Lineup: 29 Must-See Performers at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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