Conan Gray to Perform at 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade After Successful Wishbone Album

Conan Gray will build on the success of 2025 album Wishbone with a performance during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year

Conan Gray, the rising indie-pop star, is set to perform at the prestigious 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, following the success of his fourth studio album, *Wishbone*. The parade, famed for its star-studded performances and spectacular floats, will take place on November 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. local time in New York City. Gray will perform outside the iconic Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street and also feature in a new Macy’s holiday commercial premiering during the broadcast. This significant appearance solidifies Gray’s growing influence in the music and entertainment industry.

Key highlights: - Conan Gray will perform live at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. - The performance follows the release of Gray’s successful album *Wishbone*, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. - Gray will co-star in Macy’s new “Holiday Gift Hotline” commercial, alongside celebrities including NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield and Alison Brie. - The parade’s lineup features diverse star performers such as Cynthia Erivo, Lainey Wilson, the KPop Demon Hunters girl group HUNTR/X, and more. - The event will include grand spectacles like character balloons, floats, marching bands, and a wide range of dancers and performers.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Grand Tradition

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual spectacle held in New York City, renowned for its giant balloons, colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity performances, and festive cheer. Scheduled for November 27, 2025, the parade route will begin on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and finish at Macy’s Herald Square, where many performances take place on a stage set outside the flagship store.

This year’s parade promises grandeur with 34 balloons, including four mini-balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands from across the United States and Panama. The event is broadcast live nationwide on NBC and streaming service Peacock, ensuring millions can witness the holiday kickoff from home. A Spanish-language simulcast will also be available on Telemundo.

Conan Gray’s Spotlight Moment

Conan Gray joins a star-studded roster of parade performers this year as he brings his indie-pop charisma to the highly visible 34th Street stage. His fourth studio album *Wishbone*, released in August 2025, features hit singles such as “This Song” and “Vodka Cranberry,” the latter performed at the MTV VMAs. The album’s commercial success—reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200—marks a career milestone.

At the parade, Gray will perform “Vodka Cranberry,” delighting an estimated crowd of 3.5 million attendees and millions more watching the live TV and streaming broadcasts. Billboard noted that Gray’s performance received some of the loudest cheers among the acts, while *Today* praised his stable vocals and commanding stage presence.

More than a performance: Advertising and Holiday Cheer

Gray's involvement extends beyond the stage to the screen in Macy’s new holiday campaign titled “Holiday Gift Hotline.” The commercial, debuting during the parade broadcast, also stars Alison Brie, NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield, and actor John O’Hurley, weaving a holiday shopping theme that highlights Macy’s expansive gift guide. This campaign positions Gray as a face of the shopping season, expanding his brand presence substantially.

Star-studded lineup and diverse entertainment

Alongside Conan Gray, the parade features a dizzying array of artists and performers, representing a broad musical and artistic spectrum. Highlights include:

• Vocally powerful muse Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in *Wicked*.
• Country sensation Lainey Wilson.
• The KPop-inspired girl group HUNTR/X—EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI—drawing from Netflix’s *KPop Demon Hunters*.
• Iconic bands and performers like Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, and Teyana Taylor.
• Broadway stars from shows like *Buena Vista Social Club*, *Just in Time*, and the 50th anniversary celebration of *A Chorus Line* featuring LaGuardia High School alumni.
• Athletic appearances by U.S. Olympian figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S. Paralympian Jack Wallace.
• Dance companies including the Radio City Rockettes, EVIDENCE Dance Company, Native Pride Productions, and Circus Vazquez.

The event will feature over 1,200 dancers and cheerleaders under the banner of Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer, together creating a vibrant holiday spectacle.

Balloons, floats, and marching bands: The parade’s visual feast

Adding to the spectacle are 34 balloons and 28 floats, including exciting new additions such as character balloons of Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario, and a massive onion carriage with *Shrek* characters. The “KPop Demon Hunters” franchise is represented by characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie, tying in pop culture themes delighted by young audiences.

New floats feature the first-ever Pop Mart float starring beloved figures like Labubu and Skullpanda, alongside floats from Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, *Stranger Things*, and whimsical Serta-themed sheep. The Goldfish snack brand returns with a uniquely small float fashioned from 14 crackers.

Featured marching bands span multiple states—from California’s Damien Spartan Regiment to the NYPD Marching Band—plus inclusion of international groups such as the Banda de Musica La Primavera from Panama. This array ensures a rich diversity of musical styles and regional pride inside the parade.

Hosting and broadcast details

The parade is hosted by familiar faces Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker from NBC's *Today* show. Although Kotb left *Today* earlier in the year, she remains a marquee figure for the parade broadcast, sharing personal enthusiasm for KPop culture and the parade’s vibrancy.

The parade airs live on NBC and Peacock, starting promptly at 8:30 a.m. local time, with a Spanish language broadcast airing on Telemundo. An encore presentation will be available on Peacock later in the afternoon. This year’s weather forecast predicts a partly cloudy day with mild autumn temperatures and winds below restrictions that could affect balloon flight.

Cultural significance and continuing legacy

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marks another milestone as it nears its centennial celebration. It remains a beloved holiday tradition that combines family entertainment with cultural celebration and commercial spectacle. The integration of diverse artists like Conan Gray alongside Broadway stars, athletic champions, and iconic bands exemplifies its role in reflecting the evolving American cultural landscape.

Conan Gray’s participation and billboard-topping album highlight a new generation’s influence, illustrating how social-media-born artists are becoming mainstream icons. His transition from YouTube videos recorded in Texas bedrooms to commanding one of the country’s largest live audiences on a New York City stage demonstrates the transformative power of digital platforms and music’s continual reinvention.

In conclusion, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a dynamic blend of music, dance, and festivity with Conan Gray at the forefront, heralding a holiday season filled with excitement and star power. Fans and families nationwide can look forward to enjoying this grand showcase of American pop culture and tradition.