2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Sets Record With 34.3 Million Viewers Across NBC and Peacock

The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has made television history, drawing an all-time record audience across NBC and Peacock.

According to preliminary Nielsen data, the beloved holiday tradition attracted 34.3 million viewers, marking its biggest combined audience ever and an 8% increase over last year’s broadcast. The boost comes as Peacock’s growing subscriber base — now 5 million higher than in 2024 — continues to expand NBCUniversal’s digital reach.

NBC’s Live Broadcast Breaks Seven-Year Record

NBC’s live airing, which began at 8:30 a.m. ET, averaged 25.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched entertainment telecast in nearly seven years, surpassing even the 2019 Academy Awards.

In the key adults 18-49 demographic, viewership rose by 13%, delivering the highest-rated entertainment broadcast in five years since NBC’s 2020 Thanksgiving parade coverage.

“These record-breaking numbers signify how beloved this parade is to our audience, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to begin the holiday season on such a wonderful note,” said Jen Neal, EVP of Live Events and Specials for NBCUniversal Entertainment. “A profound thank-you to Macy’s for their partnership in producing such an iconic event.”

Strong Holiday Lineup Follows

Following the parade, The National Dog Show Presented by Purina drew 12.8 million viewers, up 4% from last year. NBC’s late-night programming also benefited from the Thanksgiving momentum, with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers pulling their largest audiences since September.

Macy’s Praises “Creative Mastery” and Cultural Reach

Sharon Otterman, Macy’s Chief Marketing Officer, celebrated the milestone, saying the record ratings reflect the company’s dedication to creativity and innovation:

“This year’s record-breaking ratings are a powerful testament to the creative mastery, technical precision, and storytelling ambition Macy’s offers,” she said. “As we look toward the 100th Macy’s Parade, we remain dedicated to inspiring wonder and joy for millions nationwide.”

A Star-Packed Celebration

Hosted once again by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, the 2025 parade featured dazzling floats, massive balloons, and performances from an impressive roster of talent including Cynthia Erivo, Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, Jewel, Foreigner, Teyana Taylor, and members of the K-pop group HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters.

Kotb’s return to the parade marked her first major NBC appearance since departing Today in January, adding a sentimental note to the event’s broadcast success.

As the holiday season kicks off, the record-breaking viewership cements the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as one of the most enduring and beloved television traditions in America — and sets the stage for an even more spectacular 100th anniversary celebration in 2026.

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