The 99th annual Macy’s Parade brought the heart of Broadway straight to New York City’s streets, and the Broadway performances Macy’s Parade 2025 lineup proved why this tradition continues to capture America’s imagination.
Under crisp fall skies, the country tuned in to NBC and Peacock as Broadway’s brightest stars lit up Herald Square with music, dance, and pure theatrical magic. For millions of viewers, it was a reminder that nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like live performance.
A Morning Built for Broadway
The Macy’s Parade began at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, starting from Central Park West and finishing in front of Macy’s Herald Square. Crowds filled Manhattan sidewalks, bundled in coats, ready to cheer as balloons, floats, and marching bands rolled by.
But it was the Broadway casts that transformed the parade into something unforgettable. Each group performed live in front of Macy’s, turning 34th Street into a massive outdoor stage. Between balloons and floats, Broadway took over the broadcast, delivering spectacular numbers that felt like mini-musicals of their own.
Every Broadway Show That Stole the Spotlight
This year’s lineup featured both timeless hits and exciting newcomers. The energy, choreography, and live vocals showed why Broadway remains one of New York’s greatest treasures.
The Lion King
The morning began with a roar. The Lion King opened the show with its signature number “Circle of Life.” Performers in elaborate animal-inspired costumes filled Herald Square with movement and color. Pearl Khwezi as Nala and Vincent Jamal Hooper as Simba led a powerful performance that reminded everyone why this musical has reigned for nearly three decades.
Wicked
The parade turned emerald green next as Wicked returned with “Defying Gravity.” Alyssa Fox (Elphaba) and McKenzie Kurtz (Glinda) soared vocally and emotionally in one of the most beloved duets in Broadway history. Celebrating over 20 years of performances, the show’s parade moment was a perfect blend of nostalgia and power.
Back to the Future: The Musical
Then came a burst of retro fun as Back to the Future: The Musical took the spotlight. The performance featured Casey Likes as Marty McFly and Roger Bart as Doc Brown, rocking out to “The Power of Love.” The production even brought out a full-sized DeLorean, complete with flashing lights, drawing huge cheers from the crowd.
Hell’s Kitchen
New York got a love letter to itself when Hell’s Kitchen, the Alicia Keys musical, made its parade debut. Lead actress Maleah Joi Moon and the cast performed “Empire State of Mind” against a skyline backdrop that celebrated the city’s energy. The number blended Broadway storytelling with R&B rhythm, representing today’s evolving musical sound.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The party atmosphere exploded as Moulin Rouge! filled the street with glitz and glitter. The cast performed a medley of “Lady Marmalade” and “Come What May,” led by Courtney Reed and Derek Klena. Sparkling red costumes, high kicks, and infectious energy made it one of the most glamorous moments of the day.
Some Like It Hot
Next up, Some Like It Hot brought swinging jazz and tap-dance fire to the parade stage. Featuring J. Harrison Ghee and Adrianna Hicks, the cast performed with big smiles and even bigger moves. Their high-energy number had the crowd clapping along to every beat.
The Wiz
The Broadway segment wrapped up with joy and heart. The Wiz delivered “Ease On Down the Road,” led by Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy. Dressed in bright yellows and golds, the cast filled Herald Square with uplifting energy. It was the perfect send-off before Santa Claus closed the parade.
How Broadway Pulled It Off
Putting together Broadway’s parade performances is no small feat. Casts rehearse for weeks while juggling their regular theatre schedules. In the days before Thanksgiving, rehearsals begin as early as dawn, with performers practicing choreography on the cold pavement in front of Macy’s.
To ensure clear sound on television, songs are pre-recorded earlier in the week, but every dance move and live presence happens right there on Thanksgiving morning. The logistics are tight — performers have just a few minutes to set up, perform, and exit before the next float arrives.
Despite temperatures hovering around 40°F, the casts didn’t miss a beat. Their precision, energy, and commitment made the live broadcast feel effortless.
Record Crowds and Huge TV Numbers
This year’s parade drew one of its biggest audiences yet.
- 3.5 million spectators attended in person along the Manhattan route.
- 24 million viewers tuned in on NBC’s live broadcast.
- Streaming numbers on Peacock reached record highs for a Thanksgiving program.
On social media, clips of the Broadway numbers exploded within hours. Fans flooded TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube with reaction videos and short clips. The Lion King and Hell’s Kitchen were especially popular online, each gaining millions of views by the end of the day.
For Broadway, this kind of national exposure is invaluable. The parade arrives right before the holiday theatre rush — one of the most profitable periods for ticket sales. Many families plan their winter trips to New York after seeing the parade, and the televised performances often inspire first-time theatergoers to buy tickets.
Broadway’s Strong Year on Stage
The 2024–2025 Broadway season has been one of the strongest in recent years. More than 30 shows are currently running, including massive hits like Hamilton, SIX, MJ the Musical, and Hadestown.
Industry reports show Broadway attendance and revenue have fully rebounded, surpassing $1.7 billion in ticket sales. The industry’s comeback has been powered by both legacy productions and bold new works that attract younger audiences.
The parade performances served as both a celebration and a preview — a reminder of why Broadway continues to be the beating heart of live entertainment in America.
What Makes These Performances So Special
The Broadway segment in the Macy’s Parade isn’t just entertainment — it’s a celebration of artistry, diversity, and perseverance. Every year, the performances highlight the creativity and teamwork that make theatre thrive.
For many families, it’s the first time they see live musical theatre, often inspiring future trips to New York. For performers, it’s a career milestone — a chance to represent their show on one of the most-watched broadcasts in the country.
Each number this year showed off what Broadway does best: combining storytelling, music, and emotion in ways no other medium can match.
More Parade Highlights Beyond Broadway
Outside of the theatre numbers, the parade offered a mix of pop music, spectacle, and classic fun. Massive character balloons — from Snoopy and Bluey to Pikachu and SpongeBob — floated over the city.
Crowd favorites included:
- Jonas Brothers, performing “Home for the Holidays.”
- Meghan Trainor, bringing cheer with “Made You Look.”
- Noah Kahan, delivering a warm acoustic rendition of “Stick Season.”
Dozens of marching bands and cheer squads from across the U.S. filled the streets with rhythm and joy. And as always, Santa Claus’s grand arrival closed the parade, marking the official start of the holiday season.
A Behind-the-Scenes Labor of Love
What viewers don’t see is the army of professionals behind every Broadway moment — choreographers, lighting designers, stagehands, camera crews, and dressers. Hundreds of people work together to make sure each number fits seamlessly into the parade’s tight timeline.
Performers often arrive at Herald Square as early as 4:30 a.m. to warm up and rehearse under spotlights before sunrise. Between takes, they huddle in blankets and jackets until it’s showtime. Yet, the second cameras roll, the energy shifts. For those few minutes, Broadway transforms the parade into something extraordinary.
Looking Ahead to the 100th Parade
Next year’s event will mark the 100th anniversary of the Macy’s Parade — and the excitement is already building. Early talks suggest that the centennial celebration will expand its Broadway segment even further, featuring more shows and special tributes to decades of musical history. Broadway Performances Macy’s Parade 2025
New productions are also set to open in early 2026, promising fresh additions to the theatre landscape. With Broadway stronger than ever and the parade entering a landmark year, fans can expect an unforgettable centennial celebration.
For now, the 2025 edition stands as one of the most vibrant and diverse in recent memory — a powerful showcase of the artistry and joy that define both the parade and Broadway itself. Broadway Performances Macy’s Parade 2025
From legendary hits to brand-new sensations, every performance brought magic to the streets of Manhattan this Thanksgiving. Which number did you love most? Share your favorite moment in the comments and keep the Broadway spirit alive through the holidays.