The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just an event; it's an American institution. For 99 years, it has marked the official start of the holiday season, bringing together millions of spectators on the streets of New York and millions more watching from home. And just as the parade itself is a spectacle, the commercials leading up to it have become a highly anticipated tradition.
In 2025, Macy's released a holiday ad that has everyone talking. It's funny, star-studded, and captures the chaotic joy of finding the perfect gifts. But one question keeps popping up: "Who is that actress?"
Let's meet the cast of the Macy's 2025 holiday commercial and explore the stars who are making this year's campaign unforgettable.
The Star of the Show: Alison Brie Leads the "Gift Guide"
The centerpiece of Macy's 2025 holiday advertising is a charming and humorous sketch titled "Macy's Gift Guide." And leading the charge is the incredibly talented and beloved actress Alison Brie.
Watch the main "Macy's Gift Guide" ad here:
Alison Brie is no stranger to making audiences laugh. Best known for her iconic roles as Annie Edison in the cult classic Community and as the ambitious Ruth Wilder in the Netflix dramedy GLOW, Brie has a unique ability to blend sharp comedic timing with genuine warmth. She's also known for her dramatic range in films like The Disaster Artist and Horse Girl.
In the Macy's ad, she brings all of that talent to bear. While the specific plot of the "Gift Guide" sketch isn't detailed, her presence signals that the commercial is smart, funny, and full of heart. She's the anchor, the familiar face that guides viewers through the holiday chaos.
Why Alison Brie is the Perfect Choice
Casting Alison Brie in this role is a brilliant move by Macy's for several reasons:
Relatability: Brie has a girl-next-door quality that makes her instantly relatable. She feels like a friend you'd bump into while holiday shopping, not a distant, untouchable celebrity.
Comedy Credentials: Her years on Community have made her a master of comedic timing, essential for a sketch-based ad.
Broad Appeal: From her work in indie films to her voice acting in BoJack Horseman, Brie appeals to a wide demographic, from Millennials who grew up with her to older audiences who appreciate her versatility.
The Supporting Cast: Baker Mayfield and Conan Gray
A great lead needs a great supporting cast, and the Macy's ad delivers in spades. Joining Alison Brie are two very different but equally exciting stars.
Baker Mayfield: The Quarterback with Charm
First up is NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield. Currently the signal-caller for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield brings a dose of sports stardom and affable charm to the commercial.
His presence is a strategic nod to the massive audience of football fans who tune in to the Thanksgiving Day games. Seeing a star quarterback in a holiday ad creates a fun crossover moment, blending the excitement of the gridiron with the warmth of the season. It also showcases Mayfield's lighter side, showing that he can laugh at himself and participate in a comedic sketch.
Conan Gray: The Voice of a Generation
The third member of this celebrity trio is singer-songwriter Conan Gray. A massive star among Gen Z and Millennial audiences, Gray's music—hits like "Heather," "Maniac," and "Memories"—has captured the hearts of millions with its emotional depth and diaristic honesty.
His inclusion in the ad is a direct appeal to younger viewers. It tells them that Macy's is a brand that understands their culture and the artists they love. Gray's presence brings a cool, contemporary energy to the campaign.
The Big Event: The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Of course, all of these commercials are building up to one thing: the main event. The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the grand spectacle that the ads are promoting, and it features many of the same stars who appear in the commercials.
Watch the full 99th Parade broadcast here:
This broadcast is where the magic of the commercials comes to life. The balloons soar, the marching bands play, and the celebrities perform. It's the culmination of weeks of anticipation.
The K-Pop Connection: Huntrix Takes the Stage
One of the most talked-about moments referenced in the commercial is the appearance of a K-pop group. The ad playfully mentions the fictional-sounding "K-pop Demon Hunters," but the real-life inspiration is the incredibly popular group Huntrix.
Watch Huntrix perform at the parade here:
K-pop's global dominance continues, and Macy's wisely tapped into this cultural phenomenon by featuring a major act. Huntrix's performance is a high-energy spectacle, complete with intricate choreography, stunning visuals, and the kind of infectious energy that K-pop is famous for.
This segment of the parade and the commercial's nod to it serve a clear purpose: to prove that the Macy's parade is relevant, modern, and in tune with global pop culture. It's not just a nostalgic event; it's a showcase for the biggest acts in the world right now.
Why K-pop Works for Macy's
| Global Reach | K-pop has a massive international fanbase, expanding the parade's audience. |
| Youth Appeal | It brings in younger viewers who might not otherwise watch a traditional parade. |
| Spectacle | K-pop performances are known for their high production value, fitting perfectly with the parade's larger-than-life aesthetic. |
| Cultural Relevance | It shows that Macy's is modern and aware of current trends. |
The Broader Campaign: More Holiday Magic
The "Gift Guide" sketch isn't the only commercial Macy's released for the 2025 holiday season. The campaign is multi-faceted, with different spots highlighting different aspects of the Macy's experience.
Check out another Macy's Holiday 2025 commercial here:
This additional spot likely focuses on the products, the deals, or the sheer joy of shopping at Macy's during the most wonderful time of the year. It ensures that the brand's message reaches viewers across different platforms and with different interests.
Conclusion: A Star-Studded Celebration
So, the next time you see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ad and find yourself wondering, "Who is that actress?", you'll have the answer. It's the wonderfully talented Alison Brie, joined by football star Baker Mayfield and pop sensation Conan Gray, all leading up to the massive spectacle of the parade itself, complete with a show-stopping performance by K-pop group Huntrix.
The Macy's 2025 holiday campaign is a perfect reflection of the parade it promotes: a little bit classic, a little bit modern, and entirely entertaining. It brings together stars from different worlds—comedy, sports, pop, and K-pop—to create a celebration that truly has something for everyone.
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