If you’ve ever watched the Macy’s Parade on Thanksgiving morning, you already know it feels magical — giant balloons floating between skyscrapers, dancers smiling through the cold, and millions of people lining the streets or watching from home.

But here’s something most people don’t know: behind all that holiday sparkle are hundreds of volunteers who work quietly, carefully, and sometimes sleep-deprived to bring the parade to life.

This year, the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off at 8:30 AM ET on November 27, and as someone who has followed breaking news, events, and media for years (Ammar here!), I can tell you — what happens behind the scenes is just as fascinating as what you see on TV.

Recently, two former balloon handlers opened up about their real experiences… and you might be surprised by what they shared.

The Macy’s Parade: A 3.5-Hour Holiday Tradition

According to CBS News, the 2025 Macy’s Parade will run for about three and a half hours, ending around noon.
Every year, millions tune in to watch iconic balloons like Mario, Snoopy, and Pikachu glide through Manhattan’s chilly air.

But while the TV audience sees the excitement, balloon handlers experience something very different — a mix of training, teamwork, strict rules, and surprisingly early mornings.

How People Get Picked to Handle Balloons at the Macy’s Parade

Most viewers assume balloon handlers are random volunteers, but the selection process is actually quite detailed.

1. You must submit personal details

According to former handler Meghan Simonette, applicants need to send:

• Body measurements
• A clear headshot
• A short paragraph explaining why they want to volunteer

This isn’t just fun and games — Macy’s needs to ensure balloon handlers can safely manage ropes, wind pressure, and long walking distances.

2. Then you wait… and hope

After applying, volunteers must wait for an official confirmation from Macy’s.
Not everyone gets selected, and some people try for years before earning a spot.

3. Sometimes connections help

Former handler Vicky De Cardenas revealed that she joined the parade because her sister worked at Macy’s as a beauty buyer and secured spots for herself, Vicky, and their dad.

Real talk? In big events like the Macy’s Parade, knowing someone definitely helps — but passion matters too.

The Secret September Training at MetLife Stadium

Every September, organizers host a special training session at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This is where volunteers practice guiding giant balloons, learn safety protocols, and figure out how to move as a coordinated team.

But even after that training, most balloon handlers don’t meet their full crew until the actual morning of the Macy’s Parade.

As someone who’s managed events myself, this part surprised me. Imagine controlling a huge balloon worth thousands of dollars… alongside 20 strangers you’ve never met!

Thankfully, Macy’s created a special app where handlers can message each other beforehand.

Call Times: Even Earlier Than You Think

If you think waking up early on Thanksgiving to cook is hard, balloon handlers might disagree!

Simonette’s call time: 4:45 AM

She was assigned to a float in the front of the parade, which means she had to arrive while most of New York was still asleep.

De Cardenas’ call time: 6:15 AM

Her float appeared toward the end, so she had a slightly later call.

But here’s the catch:
These call times don’t include travel time to Midtown Manhattan, where handlers gather to change into costumes and get ready.

From long subway rides to blocked roads and icy winds… it’s no easy morning.

What Most People Don’t See on TV

While the audience sees joy, the handlers experience a mix of:

✔ Cold weather

Your hands can go numb even with gloves.

✔ Physical strain

Holding ropes for hours is no joke.

✔ Mental focus

One wrong tug and a balloon could tilt dangerously.

✔ Teamwork

Every balloon has dozens of handlers working in sync like a dance crew.

And yet — every volunteer says the same thing:
The moment the crowd cheers, it’s all worth it.

FAQs About the Macy’s Parade

When will the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade take place?

It takes place on November 27 this year.

What time does the Macy’s Parade start?

The parade begins at 8:30 AM ET.

What’s the official route?

It starts on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square, the iconic flagship store.

Final Thoughts: The Magic of the Macy’s Parade Lives Behind the Scenes

When you watch the Macy’s Parade this year, remember the hundreds of volunteers who woke up before sunrise, trained for weeks, and braved the cold to make your morning magical.

As someone who loves storytelling and SEO (Ammar here!), I believe these behind-the-scenes stories remind us that big celebrations are built by everyday people with passion.

So, whether you’re tuning in from your couch or watching from the sidewalk in New York City…

✨ Take a moment to appreciate the real humans guiding those giant balloons across the sky.

If you enjoyed this breakdown, feel free to follow along — more breaking-news explainers and real-life stories coming soon!