2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade draws record 34.3 million viewers on NBC and Peacock

2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade breaks viewership records nationwide

The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade drew a record-breaking 34.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock on Thanksgiving morning. This historic milestone surpassed last year’s viewers by 2.5 million, representing an impressive 8 percent increase for the beloved holiday tradition.

NBC’s broadcast became the most-watched entertainment telecast in nearly seven years since the 2019 Academy Awards aired nationally. The parade remained America’s most cherished tradition, captivating millions of families nationwide with iconic holiday celebration magic.

NBC’s linear broadcast averages 25.4 million viewers Thursday morning

NBC’s primary 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time broadcast averaged an impressive 25.4 million viewers, establishing a brand-new network record for Thanksgiving coverage. This marks the most-watched entertainment program on linear television since the 2019 Oscars ceremony aired nationally on ABC.

Peak viewership reached 30.2 million viewers between 11:00 and 11:15 a.m. across the entire nation. Strong morning ratings clearly underscore audiences’ enduring loyalty to this beloved holiday tradition and iconic national celebration.

Peacock streaming continues driving record combined viewership totals

Peacock streaming played a critical role in achieving the historic 34.3 million viewer milestone across America. The platform gained approximately 5 million new subscribers compared to last year’s Thanksgiving period.

Combined NBC and Peacock viewership exceeded traditional linear-only expectations significantly during the broadcast. This streaming success reinforces NBCUniversal’s innovative distribution strategy across multiple digital and traditional broadcast platforms nationwide.

Young adult demographics surge with notable 20 percent viewership increase

Adults aged 18 to 49 demonstrated exceptional engagement, showing a 13 percent increase in viewership compared to last year nationwide. Most impressively, viewers under 25 experienced a remarkable 20 percent increase, indicating strong generational appeal.

This demographic shift demonstrates the parade’s content resonates powerfully across multiple age groups and communities. All demographic categories experienced significant growth, reflecting the event’s universal family appeal and exceptional entertainment value.

Cynthia Erivo opens parade with captivating wicked musical performance

Tony-winning Wicked star Cynthia Erivo kicked off the parade with a spectacular opening musical number this morning. Her performance came just one week after the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good film debuted nationwide.

Erivo’s star power captured immediate viewer attention throughout the entire opening segment of the broadcast. Her performance highlighted the parade’s commitment to featuring world-class entertainment talent and Broadway excellence annually.

Hip-hop legends Lil Jon and Busta Rhymes electrify parade audiences

Hip-hop icons Lil Jon and Busta Rhymes delivered high-energy performances that captured the parade’s festive spirit perfectly throughout the morning. Busta Rhymes performed memorably on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed float during the celebration broadcast.

Reggae legend Shaggy performed a medley of his greatest hits, including the iconic It Wasn’t Me. These legendary performers attracted nostalgic audiences while engaging younger hip-hop enthusiasts nationwide.

Contemporary artists Ciara and Foreigner showcase diverse musical performances

Pop and R&B star Ciara delivered an engaging performance celebrating the magical holiday season atmosphere nationwide. 1970s rock legends Foreigner performed on the Stranger Things float, appealing to multiple generations across America.

The parade featured diverse musical genres including pop, rock, R&B, and country performances throughout the broadcast. Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, and Jewel also graced the stage with impressive musical performances this morning.

Broadway productions bring theatrical excellence to holiday parade celebration

Three Broadway productions made special appearances showcasing Wicked: For Good, Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime performances. Broadway’s inclusion added theatrical prestige and attracted theater enthusiasts nationwide throughout the broadcast.

Sarah Hyland and Jonathan Groff received praise for their exceptional vocal abilities and outstanding performances nationwide. Broadway’s contributions elevated the overall production’s entertainment value significantly for viewing audiences across America.

Giant character balloons and exciting new additions captivate millions worldwide

The parade featured 32 giant character balloons, including exciting new additions making their spectacular debut this year. Buzz Lightyear, Super Mario, PAC-MAN, and Shrek’s Onion Carriage joined beloved classics like Snoopy and SpongeBob.

Netflix’s K Pop Demon Hunters characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie also appeared in the parade nationwide. These massive, intricately designed balloons have become iconic American holiday tradition symbols for generations of families.

Spectacular themed floats showcase creative innovation and artistic excellence

The parade included 27 spectacular floats featuring incredible designs from major entertainment properties and leading brands nationwide. New floats included LEGO’s Brick-tastic Winter Mountain, Lindt’s Master Chocolatier Ballroom, and Serta’s Counting Sheep Dream Generator.

Netflix’s Stranger Things Upside Down Invasion and Holland America Line’s Land of Ice and Wonder featured stunning visual effects. Each elaborate float represented countless hours of creative design, innovative construction, and technical expertise.

Radio City Rockettes celebrate centennial with iconic precision kickline tradition

The legendary Radio City Rockettes marked their centennial celebration with their world-famous precision kickline performance today. Their synchronized dancing has become synonymous with the holiday season’s official kickoff for families nationwide.

The Rockettes’ consistent presence reinforces the parade’s cultural significance as America’s most beloved and cherished tradition. Their iconic performance remains one of the most anticipated moments throughout the entire broadcast nationwide.

Diverse entertainment includes marching bands, clown groups, and specialty performances

The parade featured 11 marching bands, 33 clown groups, and various specialty entertainment units from across the nation. Olympic figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S. Paralympian Jack Wallace made special appearances during the parade broadcast.

“Hot Ones” host Sean Evans appeared as special correspondent throughout the parade coverage nationwide. Thousands of talented performers nationwide contributed to the parade’s spectacular success and joyful celebration today.

Keep the holiday vibe going with Kylie Jenner’s reaction to spending Thanksgiving with Timothée Chalamet.

Historic 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade scheduled for November 26, 2026

Macy’s officially announced the milestone 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place Thursday, November 26, 2026. Creative director Brendan Kennedy emphasized plans to enhance entertainment offerings beyond this year’s successful celebration nationwide.

The centennial parade promises new balloons, expanded floats, and unprecedented holiday entertainment spectacle nationwide. This historic celebration marks a full century of Macy’s beloved American Thanksgiving tradition for families nationwide.

For more Thanksgiving highlights, check out Taylor and Travis bringing both families together for the holiday.

Drop your thoughts below and hit like if you watched the Parade this year.

Read More From This Brand:

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.