Record 34 Million Viewers Tune in to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC and Peacock, Early Ratings Show

The 2025 broadcast of the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade proved to be a major win for NBC. Early Nielsen data indicates that the 99th annual parade drew a combined audience of 34.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, with 25.4 million watching the NBC telecast starting at 8:30 a.m. ET on November 27. These figures are preliminary and may be adjusted when official ratings are released.

This years parade marks an 8% increase in total viewers compared to 2024, which had 31.3 million combined viewers, itself a 10% rise from 2023s 28 million. NBC reports that viewership among adults 18-49 climbed 13% from last year, and audiences under 25 surged 20%.

Jen Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials for NBCUniversal Entertainment, said, These record-breaking numbers show how cherished this parade is by our viewers. We are thrilled to kick off the holiday season on such a high note. We extend our sincere thanks to Macys for their partnership in bringing this iconic event to life.

Additionally, the National Dog Show, which aired later in the day, attracted 12.8 million viewers, a 4% increase over 2024.

Sharon Otterman, chief marketing officer of Macys, remarked, The record-breaking ratings highlight Macys creative excellence, technical precision, and commitment to storytelling. We are proud to deliver entertainment that features top talent, captures cultural moments, and connects with audiences nationwide. As we approach the 100th Macys Parade, we remain focused on inspiring joy and exceeding expectations year after year.

Analysis of the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadcast Success

The 2025 broadcast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has solidified its position as a key annual television event. Early Nielsen data shows a remarkable 34.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, marking an 8% increase in total viewership from 2024. This uptick in numbers demonstrates that the parade's appeal is not only consistent but growing year after year, with notable surges among younger audiences.

Despite competition from other holiday programming, the parade continues to draw massive numbers, especially among adults 18-49, which saw a 13% rise. Most impressively, viewership among those under 25 surged by 20%, signaling the parade's continued ability to captivate younger generations. This is a significant achievement, especially in an era where traditional television viewership is in decline, and audiences are increasingly fragmented across various platforms.

Both NBC and Macy's have attributed this success to their strong partnership and commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment. Jen Neal, NBCUniversal's EVP of live events, expressed pride in these record-breaking numbers, emphasizing the holiday special’s importance in kicking off the festive season. Macy's Sharon Otterman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the parade's technical precision and storytelling as key factors in its ability to resonate with viewers.

Looking ahead to the 100th anniversary of the Macy's Parade, it’s clear that the event's cultural significance and viewer loyalty will only continue to grow. As television networks adapt to the evolving media landscape, the parade’s ability to capture the public's attention across both traditional broadcast and streaming platforms will be essential in maintaining its iconic status.

Sources:

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Draws Record 34 Million Viewers on NBC, Peacock in Early Numbers