Melissa Peterman to Host NBC’s Countdown to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

NBC has confirmed that actress and television host Melissa Peterman will lead its primetime Countdown to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 special. The broadcast will air Wednesday, November 26 at 8 p.m. ET, with a simulcast on Peacock, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation for one of the nation’s most-watched holiday events.

The NBC Thanksgiving special will feature segments on the inflation and launch of the parade’s giant character balloons, the construction of elaborate floats, and interviews with performers set to appear in the main parade. Musical acts scheduled for the countdown special include Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, and Jewel.

Melissa Peterman hosting the special will guide audiences through the parade’s logistics, highlighting the efforts of volunteers, float designers, and marching bands. The program provides insight into how the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 is organized and executed each year.

The main parade broadcast will follow on Thursday, November 27 at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker will host the parade, which features performances from musical acts, marching bands, and other entertainment displays along Manhattan’s streets.

NBC’s Thanksgiving special serves as an introduction to the annual parade, offering viewers a closer look at its production while building anticipation for the live event. By providing behind-the-scenes coverage, the countdown program adds context to the parade’s floats, performances, and overall organization, making it a comprehensive viewing experience for audiences nationwide.