Get ready for a Thanksgiving spectacle like no other! This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is blending pop culture magic with holiday tradition in ways that will leave you in awe—but here’s where it gets controversial: can a demon-hunting K-pop group and a quirky character like Labubu truly represent the spirit of Thanksgiving? Mark your calendars for November 27, because this year’s parade is not just about floats and balloons—it’s a cultural phenomenon in the making. And this is the part most people miss: it’s also a bold statement about how global entertainment is reshaping American traditions.
The 99th edition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is pulling out all the stops, spotlighting two of 2025’s biggest cultural sensations: Labubu, the beloved character from Pop Mart, and KPop Demon Hunters, the Netflix blockbuster that became the streaming giant’s most-watched film ever. With over 325 million global views in just 91 days, KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of a pop girl group defending South Korea from demons—a premise as wild as it is captivating. Fans will be thrilled to see characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie soaring through the Manhattan skies as part of the parade’s iconic balloon lineup. But here’s the twist: does a demon-hunting narrative align with the family-friendly vibe of Thanksgiving? We’ll let you decide.
Kicking off at 8:30 a.m. ET on the Upper West Side, the parade will wind its way through Manhattan before culminating at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square. This year’s extravaganza features 32 balloons, 27 floats, 11 marching bands, and performances by stars like Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and even the fictional girl group HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters. Broadway casts, the Radio City Rockettes, and a Santa Claus grand finale will ensure there’s something for everyone—but it’s the inclusion of Labubu and KPop Demon Hunters that’s sparking the most debate.
Is this a brilliant fusion of global pop culture or a departure from Thanksgiving’s traditional roots? Parade organizers argue that both Labubu and KPop Demon Hunters have made ‘massive cultural splashes’ this year, but not everyone agrees. Labubu, with its dedicated float, and the KPop Demon Hunters balloons are undeniably eye-catching, but they’re also polarizing. Are they here to stay as parade staples, or just a fleeting trend? Let us know in the comments.
For those tuning in from home, the parade will air live on NBC starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, with streaming options on Peacock and Fubo. An encore presentation will follow at 2 p.m. ET/PT, and international viewers, including those in India, can catch it live via NBC and Peacock, with a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo. Weather could play a role, though—New York City regulations prohibit full-size balloons if winds exceed 23 mph or gusts surpass 35 mph. Forecasts predict a mild 52°F with light winds, so fingers crossed for clear skies.
Beyond Labubu and KPop Demon Hunters, this year’s parade introduces four new balloons—Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Shrek’s Onion Carriage, and Mario—alongside six fresh floats, including Stranger Things’ Upside Down Invasion and Pop Mart’s Friends-giving in POPCITY. Each addition reflects the parade’s evolving identity, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge pop culture.
So, what do you think? Is this parade a celebration of diversity and innovation, or has it strayed too far from its roots? Share your thoughts below—we’re eager to hear your take on this year’s bold lineup!
