BY: Adal Hussain , Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, 71st & Columbus Ave NYC 11/26/25

Two things that made massive cultural splashes this year — Labubu and “KPop Demon Hunters” — filled the sky and streets of New York when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off this year.

The Nov. 27 parade begins rain or shine on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which serves as a stage and backdrop for performances.

It featured 34 balloons, four mini-balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups and 11 marching bands — all leading the way for Santa Claus.

“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will kicked off a starry show. Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” featured alongside Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton and Teyana. An eclectic group of stars — from ballet dancer Tiler Peck to YouTube’s “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans — will join the annual holiday kick-off.

Broadway was represented by cast members from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime,” while the Radio City Rockettes were there and some serious athletes — three-time U.S. national champion figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S Paralympian Jack Wallace.

Alumni and students at LaGuardia High School in New York City — the school featured in the movie and TV series “Fame” — help celebrate the 50th anniversary of “A Chorus Line.”

Others on hand were Jewel, Debbie Gibson, Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Christopher Jackson, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith and Luísa Sonza.

This year, four new featured character balloons debuted, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario from Super Mario Brothers and a 32-foot-tall (9.8-meter) balloon onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “Shrek.” “KPop Demon Hunters” were also represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie.

Several new floats  debuted  this year, including the first Labubu float, with Skullpanda, Peach Riot, Dimoo, Molly, Duckoo and Mokoko.

There were also be floats from Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, “Stranger Things” featuring members of Foreigner, and a bunch of whimsical sheep trying to get to sleep courtesy of Serta. The fish-shaped snack Goldfish is returning to the parade with a tiny float that measures just 14 Goldfish crackers long.

The marching bands hailed from South Carolina, California, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Santiago, Panama. The New York Police Department’s marching band also join. There are no marching bands from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut set to appear.

There were also be dancers and cheerleaders from Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer.

During the Press Conference, Mayor Eric Adams, spoke about the parade and said this will be his last press conference, and enjoyed being part of the festivities that the security was at its highest peak, keeping parade goers and marchers fully safe.

New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch spoke next, she went on to say how she and her family attended the Thanksgiving Day Parade, annually, she went on to say that there were no credible threats during the parade, additional security was added as well as more drones watching every move.

New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch will stay on as New York City Police Commissioner for the new Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration. As see is doing a great job, as NYPD Commissioner.

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