The Ultimate 2025 Parade Time Guide: 7 Must-Know Schedules For Major Global Events

As of December 20, 2025, the world of spectacular street celebrations is already locking in its schedule for the coming year, with official start times and routes being confirmed for some of the biggest annual events. Whether you are planning a trip to New York City for a holiday spectacle, heading to Pasadena for a New Year's tradition, or preparing for a significant military salute in Washington, D.C., knowing the exact parade time is the key to securing the best viewing spot. This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise to deliver the confirmed, up-to-date schedules for the must-see parades of 2025 and early 2026. The precision of a parade time is crucial, as these massive events operate on tight schedules that dictate road closures, public transit changes, and, most importantly, when you need to be curb-side. Missing the start time by even a few minutes can mean losing your prime viewing location to the millions of spectators who flock to these iconic celebrations.

Confirmed Parade Times for America's Most Iconic Annual Events (2025-2026)

The United States is home to some of the planet's most famous processions, drawing global attention with their massive floats, celebrity performers, and stunning precision. Securing your spot for these events often requires arriving hours before the official start time.

1. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season and one of the most-watched annual events in the world. It is known for its gigantic character balloons, elaborate floats, and Broadway performances.

• Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Official Parade Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
• End Time: Approximately noon ET
• Route Details: The 2.5-mile route begins at 77th Street and Central Park West, proceeds south, and concludes at 34th Street-Herald Square.
• Spectator Tip: The parade formation begins around 8:00 AM on West 77th Street. Early birds often arrive before 6:00 a.m. to secure a first-row view along Central Park West.

2. Tournament of Roses Parade (Rose Parade) 2026

The Rose Parade, "America's New Year Celebration," is a floral masterpiece held every New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. This annual event features stunning floats entirely covered in natural materials, marching bands, and equestrian units.

• Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
• Official Parade Time: 8:00 a.m. PST
• Theme: The 137th annual parade will operate under the theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.”
• Route Details: The procession starts at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard.
• Entity Focus: This year marks the 137th annual Rose Parade, presented by Honda.

3. US Army Grand Military Parade (America 250) 2025

As part of the celebrations for the 250th birthday of the US Army, a major military parade is scheduled for the nation's capital. This event is a significant salute to military history and service members.

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• Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
• Official Parade Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Event Context: This parade is a key component of the "America 250" commemoration.

Global and Cultural Parade Schedules for Early 2025

Beyond the major national spectacles, cultural and local processions offer a unique look into community traditions. These events often feature vibrant costumes, historical reenactments, and unique local customs. Knowing the specific start time is essential for planning your attendance at these diverse events.

4. Chicago Lunar New Year Parade 2025

Chicago's Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade is a vibrant community event celebrating the new year with traditional lion dances, elaborate floats, and cultural performances.

• Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
• Official Parade Time: 1:00 p.m.
• Route Details: The parade begins near Argyle Street and Sheridan Road, proceeds west on Argyle, and then north on Broadway to Winona.

5. Honolulu Chinatown New Year Celebration & Parade 2025

The Chinatown parade in Honolulu is a major cultural event marking the new year with a spectacular display of local and traditional Asian heritage. The timing is crucial due to the associated road closures.

• Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
• Road Closure Time: 3:00 p.m. (Roads close for event formation)
• Road Reopening Time: Approximately 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Chinatown, Honolulu, O'ahu.

6. NYC Veterans Day Parade 2025

The annual Veterans Day Parade in New York City is a solemn yet celebratory tribute to all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is one of the nation's largest Veterans Day events, featuring thousands of marchers and military vehicles.

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• Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
• Location: Midtown Manhattan, along Fifth Avenue.
• Start Time: The official start time is typically late morning, but check local NYC news closer to the date for the precise hour.

7. Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026

While technically a festival, the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras includes a nightly parade that is a major draw. The event itself runs for an extended period, offering multiple opportunities to catch the procession.

• Event Dates: February 7–April 4, 2026
• Parade Schedule: The parade typically occurs nightly during the event, with times varying based on park closing hours (usually between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.). Always check the official Universal Orlando schedule for the exact time on your chosen date.

Essential Spectator Tips: Mastering the Parade Time Strategy

Attending a major parade is an experience, but it requires strategy. The difference between a great view and a frustrating crowd is often in the planning. Use these tips to optimize your parade day experience.

Arrive Early: The Golden Rule of Parade Viewing

For high-profile events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Rose Parade, "parade time" is not the time to arrive—it is the time the parade starts moving. Spectators often begin setting up camp along the route as early as 4:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m. to secure a front-row spot. For smaller, local parades, arriving 60 to 90 minutes before the official start time is usually sufficient.

Check the Route and Avoid the End

Always study the official parade route map. The beginning of the route will see the floats and performers at their freshest, but it will also be the most crowded. The end of the route is typically less crowded, but the parade will arrive much later, and the performers may be more spread out. The middle sections often offer a balance of accessibility and atmosphere.

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Leverage Public Transit Information

Parades cause massive road closures and traffic congestion. Entities like the Tournament of Roses and the DC government strongly recommend using public transportation. For example, the DC government encourages attendees to download the MetroPulse App for real-time rail and bus service updates for the military parade. Check for special parade-day schedules and station closures well in advance.

Dress for the Wait, Not Just the Weather

Parade time often means a long wait outdoors. Dress in layers, especially for early morning events like the Rose Parade in Pasadena or the Macy's Parade in New York, where temperatures can be frigid before sunrise. Bring portable chairs, blankets, and non-perishable snacks. Comfort is paramount for a multi-hour viewing commitment.

Know the Duration of the Event

Major annual events have a set duration. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, for instance, runs for about three and a half hours, concluding around noon. Knowing the duration helps you plan bathroom breaks and exit strategies. Military parades, like the one in D.C., may be shorter, running for a tight 30 minutes. Always confirm the expected end time to plan your post-parade activities.

The Topical Authority of Parade Planning

The planning and execution of a major parade are logistical masterpieces, involving thousands of volunteers, city officials, and police departments. The specific parade time is the result of months of coordination, balancing spectator safety with entertainment flow. Entities involved include city departments (like NYC 311 and the City of Chicago), event organizers (such as the Tournament of Roses and Macy's), and broadcast networks (like NBC and Peacock, which broadcast the Macy's Parade). For travelers, understanding the parade time is crucial for booking accommodations and navigating the host city. Whether you're interested in the disciplined formations of the US Naval Academy's formal dress parades on Worden Field or the vibrant floats of a Dominican Parade in Manhattan, precise timing is everything. Always check for the "Formation" time, which is when the action truly begins for those who want to see the balloons inflated or the floats lined up, offering a unique behind-the-scenes experience before the official parade time.

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