NYPD warns of potential disruption risks ahead of 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins Thursday in New York City under heightened security after the NYPD warned the event is a potential target for obstruction or violence.
November 27, 2025 - 01:20 AM ET • 2 min read
The 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to begin in New York City on Thursday morning, marked by an expanded security presence following warnings from the New York Police Department regarding potential disruptions.
The parade, which celebrates the national holiday, is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. EST until 12 p.m. local time.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department is preparing for an expanded security presence this year, even though authorities have no known credible threats directed at the event.
Despite the lack of specific threats, the NYPD's intelligence bureau issued a bulletin stating the parade is "a potentially attractive opportunity for acts of obstruction, destruction and violence."
The bulletin cited several factors contributing to the heightened security posture. These included recent arrests in Michigan and New Jersey connected to an alleged ISIS-inspired plot, a truck attack that occurred in New Orleans earlier this year, and disruptions caused by protesters demonstrating over the Israel-Hamas war during the 2023 and 2024 parades.
Authorities noted that the "intense polarization" surrounding significant international developments, including the Israel-Hamas war (even amid a tenuous ceasefire) and political flashpoints such as recent nationwide immigration enforcement efforts, raises the potential for demonstrators to clash with law enforcement officers assigned to protective details.
Crowds gathered on the Upper West Side on Wednesday night to watch the traditional inflation of the massive character balloons ahead of the parade route down Manhattan.
Parade Features
The 99th celebration will feature 34 balloons and 28 floats. Scheduled live performers include Busta Rhymes, Lainey Wilson, Ciara, Cynthia Erivo, and HUNTR/X from KPop Demons Hunters.
Four new balloons are scheduled to participate this year: Mario by Nintendo, Pac-Man by Bandai Namco Entertainment America, Buzz Lightyear by Pixar Animation Studios, and Shrek's Onion Carriage by DreamWorks Animation. New floats include The Land of Ice & Wonder, Brick-tastic Winter Mountain, and Master Chocolatier Ballroom.