Brendan Kennedy, the creative production director at Macy’s studio, is gearing up for this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade after last year’s festivities were overshadowed by heavy rain. Despite the challenges faced during his first parade, Kennedy is excited to showcase the hard work that has gone into creating the floats and balloons for this year’s event.
Among the new balloons making their debut this year are Buzz Lightyear, Mario, Shrek, Pac-Man, KPop Demon Hunters, and Labubu. However, Kennedy is particularly thrilled about the unveiling of the “Stranger Things” float. With the release of the first part of the fifth season on Netflix the day before the parade, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
The “Stranger Things” float will feature the Hawkins National Laboratory, complete with practical effects like lighting and smoke. Kennedy teases that there are hidden easter eggs within the design of the float. Additionally, the band Foreigner, whose music was featured prominently in the show, will be performing on 34th Street.
The parade will kick off with a show-stopping performance by Cynthia Erivo from “Wicked: For Good.” Other musical acts include Huntr/X, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, and Broadway performances from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time,” and “Ragtime.” The Radio City Rockettes will also be celebrating their 100th anniversary with a special appearance.
Planning for the parade takes almost a year and involves a team of thousands working behind the scenes. Costume designers, musicians, and volunteers dedicate months to ensure the parade’s success. Over 2,000 gallons of paint, 300 pounds of glitter, and 200 pounds of confetti are used during the event.
Despite the unpredictability of the weather, Kennedy and his team always come prepared. Last year, they implemented an HVAC system to keep performers warm and protect the balloons from the rain. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of being prepared for any weather conditions, stating, “We are rain or shine, and we’ve been that way for 99 parades. We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we prepare for it.”
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 34 balloons, 4 balloonicles, 28 floats, 14 specialty units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, and approximately 8,000 participants. The parade will air on NBC and stream on Peacock on November 27 at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. Don’t miss this spectacular event filled with music, floats, and entertainment for the whole family.
