The most-watched entertainment program of the year across broadcast television, the 99th edition of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off the holiday season Nov. 27 at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones across NBC and Peacock.

The Parade will feature a world-class lineup of music's biggest talents, iconic character balloons, imaginative floats and the one-and-only Santa Claus.

"Today's" Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will return as hosts of the broadcast, which will have an encore on NBC at 2 p.m. (ET/PT).

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will deliver must-see performances at the store's iconic 34th Street Herald Square Flagship, Including the Daytime Debut of EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the Singing Voices Of HUNTR/X From Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters" and Broadway Hits "Buena Vista Social Club," "Just in Time" and "Ragtime."

The celebration will include spectacular musical and dance performances by Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Radio City Rockettes, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luisa Sonza and Teyana Taylor.

There will also be appearances by Nikki DeLoach, U.S. Olympian Ilia Malinin, Kristoffer Polaha, U.S Paralympian Jack Wallace and Special Correspondent Sean Evans.

"The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade brings families together like nothing else on television and remains a beloved tradition for millions," said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment. "We're proud of our longstanding partnership with Macy's and look forward to working with them to produce a spectacular parade that we know so many people love and cherish."

"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the official kickoff to the holiday season and has been part of the nation's stories and traditions for generations," said Will Coss, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer. "The most wonderful stories start at the Parade. On Thanksgiving morning, larger-than-life character balloons, awe-inspiring floats and showstopping performances will create unforgettable moments and lasting holiday memories for millions of spectators in New York City and across the country."

The 99th Macy's Parade lineup will feature more than 5,000 volunteers, 32 balloons, three ballonicles, 27 floats, four specialty units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, performance groups and music's biggest stars, all welcoming Santa Claus and the holiday season.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will celebrate its 100th march in 2026, continuing a tradition that has brought joy and lasting memories to generations worldwide. Although it began in 1924, the Parade was canceled in 1942, 1943 and 1944 due to World War II. During that time, materials that would have been used in the celebration, including rubber, were dedicated to the war effort."

FROM SKETCH TO SPECTACLE:

The talented artisans and specialists at Macy's Studios collaborate closely with partners to design, build, and produce immersive floats featuring state-of-the-art effects and breathtaking featured character balloons that inspire joy and wonder on Thanksgiving morning.

This year, four new featured character balloons will debut, including Buzz Lightyear by Pixar Animation Studios; PAC-MAN by Bandai Namco Entertainment America, Inc.; Shrek's Onion Carriage from Universal Pictures' DreamWorks Animation; and Mario by Nintendo. Additionally, Derpy Tiger and Sussie from Netflix's "K-Pop Demon Hunters" will join the line-up as a mid-sized balloon and balloonicle, respectively.

Six new floats will also debut including: The Land of Ice & Wonder by Holland America Line; Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by The LEGO Group; Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt; Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things by Netflix; Friends-giving in POPCITY by Pop Mart; and The Counting Sheep's Dream Generator by Serta(R). Additionally, The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse's: Frost Pips by The Lumistella Company, new balloonicle elements will join this year's line-up. Towed by Ram Trucks, the official truck of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the debuting floats will join a lineup of fan favorites including Santa's Sleigh.

Ahead of the 100th march in November 2026, iconic Macy's Parade elements from its storied history will return to the streets of Manhattan for this year's celebration. The talented team at Macy's Studios will reintroduce and reimagine beloved balloon elements from some of the Parade's earliest marches delighting fans of all ages, including Rainbow and Greybow Trouts, the Happy Hippo Triple Stack, Wigglefoot, and Freida the Dachshund by Macy's in partnership with The Farmer's Dog. A unique new float element, in collaboration with Goldfish, will also join this year's lineup.

Bigs and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) will lead the Parade on the iconic Tom Turkey float. These matches will celebrate the partnership between Macy's and BBBS, which empowers young people through mentorship opportunities and experiences as part of the brand's social purpose commitment, "Mission Every One." Since 2022, this holiday cause campaign has raised more than $13 million.

MARCH TO THE BEAT:

Talented student musicians from across the globe will join the line of march, including Banda de Musica La Primavera (Santiago, Panama); Catawba Ridge High School Marching Band (Fort Mill, SC); Damien Spartan Regiment (La Verne, Calif.); L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band (Hurst, Texas); Macy's Great American Marching Band (United States); Northern Arizona University Lumberjack Marching Band (Flagstaff, Ariz.); Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite (Lorman, Miss.); Spartans Jr Drum and Bugle Corps (Nashua, N.H.); The Marching Pride of North Alabama (Florence, Ala.); and The Temple University Diamond Band (Philadelphia, Pa.). The NYPD Marching Band (New York, NY) will also join the festivities.

Celebrated choreographer Mia Michaels will create enchanting performances with Macy's House Dancers for the crowd-favorite arrivals of Tom Turkey and Santa Claus, as well as five featured floats.

Rounding out the lineup are captivating performance groups from across the country, bringing joy and entertainment to the Parade route before arriving at 34th Street for their showstopping broadcast performance. These groups include "A Chorus Line: The Next Generation" led by creative director and choreographer Baayork Lee; Circus Vazquez; "Evidenced Dance Company; Native Pride Productions; and 1,200 talented dancers and cheerleaders of Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer.

HOW TO WATCH:

Audiences nationwide can watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade only on the official telecast on NBC and Peacock, broadcast starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. An encore telecast will air at 2 p.m. (ET/PT). "TODAY's" Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will return as hosts of the Emmy Award-winning celebration. A Spanish language simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by the network's Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast is produced by Universal Television in conjunction with Done + Dusted Inc. Katy Mullan and Liz Kelly serve as executive producers.

On Nov. 26 at 8:00 p.m. NBC and Peacock will air the primetime special "Countdown to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade." Broadcast live from the famous starting line on the eve of the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, viewers will get an exclusive first look at the incredible stories behind the floats, balloons, and bands as they prepare to make their way through the streets of New York City.

To create a more inclusive experience for blind and visually impaired viewers, NBCUniversal is proud to present the full NBC broadcast with live audio description on the Secondary Audio Program channel (SAP), provided by Descriptive Video Works. The broadcast will be available with additional audio narration describing the rich visuals of the Parade.

For an insider's look, information on returning elements and public viewing, visit macys.com/parade. Fans can also follow @macys and #MacysParade on Instagram, TikTok, Threads and other platforms for behind-the-scenes content and more.

For more information on the broadcast, visit http://www.nbc.com/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade and follow @NBC on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X (Twitter).

IN OTHER TV NEWS:

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AIRS DEC. 2 ON ABC

The Country Music Association and ABC have revealed this year's hosts and performers for the 16th Annual Holiday Television Special, "CMA Country Christmas" which airs Dec. 2 at 9/8c on ABC with streaming available the next day on Hulu and Disney+.

Hosted by Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis, "CMA Country Christmas" features performances by Daigle, Davis, Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and BeBe Winans.

Filmed in front of a live audience in Nashville, first-time co-hosts Daigle and Davis bring warmth, charm and cheer to the stage as they guide viewers through a night of heartfelt music and holiday spirit.

"CMA Country Christmas" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer. Milton Sneed is the director, and Jon Macks is the writer.

ABOUT "CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS"

Since its debut in 2010, CMA Country Christmas has ushered in the holiday season each year with a celebration of festive classics and one-of-a-kind musical performances.

Filmed in Nashville, the special airs annually on ABC, the network home of the CMA Awards and the summertime concert event CMA Fest.