Sarah Hyland stunned viewers during the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a powerhouse performance of “Splish Splash.” She appeared alongside Broadway star Jonathan Groff and performer Sadie Dickerson, giving fans a dazzling preview of her current musical, Just in Time. While many know her as Haley Dunphy from Modern Family, not everyone realized she had such strong vocal talent. Social media erupted with excitement as thousands praised her impressive voice and confident stage presence.
From Sitcom Favorite to Broadway Star
Hyland plays Connie Francis in the Broadway musical Just in Time, which highlights the life and music of the pop legend. Her appearance at the parade showed how far she has come in her performing career. Fans reacted with shock and admiration, posting messages like, “IS THAT SARAH HYLAND???” and “I never knew she had such an amazing voice!” The parade performance proved she is now more than just a comedic actress—she is becoming a serious Broadway force.
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A Parade That Captures the Holiday Spirit
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off the holiday season with its usual energy. Giant balloons floated over New York City as marching bands, dancers, and performers brought festive cheer. The parade began at 8:30 a.m. ET and ran until noon, appearing on NBC and streaming on Peacock and Telemundo. With millions watching, the event kept its magic alive through both tradition and innovation.
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Where and How the Parade Moves Through New York
The parade started at West 77th Street and Central Park West before heading south along the park. It wrapped around Columbus Circle, turned onto Central Park South, and continued down Sixth Avenue toward Herald Square. Spectators lined the route early to get the best views. Popular spots included Central Park West between 60th and 77th Streets and Sixth Avenue near Central Park South. However, areas like the starting point and Columbus Circle remained closed to the public for safety.
New Characters Replace Nostalgic Icons
This year’s parade reflected a shift toward modern pop culture. Classic characters like Popeye and Olive Oyl did not appear, and new icons took center stage. Fans watched the giant Demogorgon balloon from Stranger Things, animal sidekicks from KPop Demon Hunters, and the beloved Labubu character rise above the crowd. This updated lineup aimed to connect with younger audiences while keeping longtime parade viewers engaged.
Behind the Scenes with the Demogorgon Float
The Demogorgon float became one of the most talked-about additions. Hidden inside the massive creature were puppeteers Paul Andrejco and Michael Bush, who operated the monster’s limbs through rods and a bicycle-like mechanism. Their work required strength, practice, and teamwork. They trained at Macy’s expansive New Jersey studio before taking on the challenge of performing inside the creature for the 43-block journey. Their dedication brought realism and movement to one of the parade’s most dramatic floats.
Vendors, Families, and the Heart of the Parade
Beyond the performances, the parade thrived on small moments along the route. Spectators climbed ridges in Central Park to get better views. Children waved at their favorite characters. Street vendors sold themed items like fuzzy turkey hats. One vendor, Tommy Johnson, drove from Connecticut at 2:30 a.m. and sold nearly all his hats before the parade began. These personal stories show how the event brings together people from all backgrounds in a shared celebration.
A Tradition Reinvented for a New Era
With new floats, modern characters, and strong performances like Hyland’s, the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balanced nostalgia with fresh excitement. It honored decades of tradition while embracing pop culture and new storytelling. As fans enjoyed the spectacle, the parade proved once again why it remains one of America’s most beloved holiday events.
