The 2025 holiday season kicked off with the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Approximately 3.5 million people gathered to enjoy its vibrant balloons, floats, marching bands, and live musical acts.
This year, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Hoda Kotb hosted the NBC coverage. It was a special reunion, especially for Kotb who returned after a brief break from the spotlight. Guthrie welcomed her back with a heartfelt hug, making the moment even more memorable.
Before the parade started, Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in Law & Order: SVU, surprised the hosts and snapped a selfie with them. A fun way to kick off the event!
The parade followed its traditional path, beginning at West 77th Street and winding through several iconic locations, ending at Herald Square. This year, spectators enjoyed 8 giant balloons, 33 mid-sized ones, and 29 floats. There were also 11 marching bands and several performance groups. New floats like Labubu, Buzz Lightyear, and Super Mario made their debut, adding excitement to the classic lineup.
One of the highlights was Cynthia Erivo’s powerful performance of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” alongside the Rockettes. After her performance, she chatted with Guthrie and Kotb about her new memoir, Simply More, and the much-anticipated film Wicked: For Good.
The parade was filled with a diverse lineup of talent including Lainey Wilson, Ciara, and The cast of Buena Vista Social Club. It showcased the rich array of musical talent in today’s entertainment landscape.
Interestingly, social media buzzed with reactions from fans. Many shared their favorite performances and memorable moments online. It’s a reminder of how these events create shared experiences, connecting people across the globe during the holiday season.
Historically, the Macy’s Parade began in 1924 and has become a beloved American tradition. It not only marks the start of the festive season but also reflects changes in culture and entertainment over nearly a century.
This year’s parade also brought back fan-favorite floats, enhancing nostalgia among long-time viewers. Overall, the parade was a beautiful celebration of joy, music, and community, perfectly kicking off the holiday spirit.
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Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Thanksgiving Day, Cynthia Erivo, Busta Rhymes, marching bands, post on Instagram, musical performances, Mariska Hargitay
