Inside the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Producer Shares Behind-the-Scenes Secrets (EXCLUSIVE)
From sketch to sky: The executive producer reveals the 18-month journey behind parade day magic
It’s almost time for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Woman’s World couldn’t be more excited! Between Snoopy, Minnie and the new Stranger Things-inspired float, it’s truly going to be an unforgettable celebration. To learn more about this year’s parade, including what really goes on behind the scenes, we talk turkey with Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Executive Producer Will Coss. Read on to see what he had to say.
What to expect from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be the 99th one, and it’s going to “feature more than 5,000 volunteers, 34 balloons, 28 floats, 14 specialty units, 33 clown groups and 11 marching bands, performance groups and the one-and-only Santa Claus, to kick off the holiday season,” according to Coss.
“We’re unveiling several new character balloons and floats, built by our Macy’s Studios team of artisans and specialists. Among the new featured character balloons are Buzz Lightyear, Mario, Shrek and his onion carriage, Pac-Man and new floats include Pop Mart (featuring Labubus!), Netflix’s Stranger Things, LEGO and more,” he continued. “On the performance side, we have EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, Broadway’s biggest hits Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time and Ragtime and the iconic Radio City Rockettes, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary.”
As for how they are making this year better than previous ones? Coss says, “The secret is simple, but powerful: consistency in quality, innovation and creating moments of joy. Since 1924, families have trusted the craftsmanship of Macy’s balloons, floats and broadcast production. We keep it fresh with new characters and technology, all while creating moments that amaze children and adults alike and create lasting memories.”
A look at what happens behind the scenes at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
As viewers can imagine, setting up for an event this size is no easy feat. In fact, according to Coss, preparations can take considerable time due to the building, planning, hiring and execution.
“On Thanksgiving morning, the streets are electric and brimming with anticipation from our Macy’s Studios team, volunteers and spectators counting down the seconds to the Parade’s start,” he said. “Our team spends roughly 18 months preparing for each parade, so seeing the looks of delight, surprise and awe from parade fans of all ages is the most gratifying moment of the morning.”
Speaking of preparing, Coss says the balloons can take an average of six months to make, thanks to their massive size.
“The process begins long before Thanksgiving morning. Our team at Macy’s Studios collaborates with partners to design balloons in sketch form, then we move to 3D printing and modeling, followed by the actual construction process, which involves the cutting and heat-sealing of fabric to create complex shapes and designs,” he explained. “Finally, the balloon is hand-painted by our team before its flight on Thanksgiving morning. “
Now, sometimes things do happen to the balloons, but Macy’s is never worried about the show looking flawless on TV—they just want people to sit back and enjoy the show, no matter what happens.
“What we show on TV is just the tip of the iceberg. On Thanksgiving Day, the talented team of production specialists and artisans at Macy’s Studios are overseeing all aspects of the Parade from monitoring the weather, speed of march, balloon flight paths, float animation and effects, performance group moments and more. It is truly a mix of art and science,” Coss says. “So yes, it does look flawless on TV, but what you’re really watching is hundreds of talented professionals coordinating a complex, live performance on the streets of New York City to delight and entertain millions of viewers on Thanksgiving morning.”
Be sure to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 8:30 AM EST on NBC and Peacock.
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