Thanksgiving Day traditions come alive in New York City with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A spectacular blend of colossal balloons, vibrant floats, star-studded performances, and marching bands, this event marks the official start of the holiday season for millions. Whether you plan to brave the crisp New York air or cozy up on your couch, securing your viewing plan for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 is essential. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from broadcast details and free streaming options to the complete parade route and in-person viewing tips.
When to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025
Mark your calendars! The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025. This cherished event kicks off bright and early, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET, an earlier start time than its traditional 9 a.m. slot. The parade is a grand spectacle that runs for approximately three and a half hours, concluding around 12:00 p.m. ET. For those who miss the live broadcast or wish to relive the magic, an encore presentation will be available later in the day.
Your Complete Guide to Watching Live on TV
For traditional television viewers, tuning into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 is straightforward. The entire parade will be broadcast live nationally on NBC. You can access this broadcast through various standard methods:
Over-the-Air Antenna: If you have an antenna, simply tune into your local NBC affiliate for free, high-definition coverage. This is often the most direct “free” viewing method for many households.
Cable and Satellite Providers: Subscribers to cable or satellite television services can find the NBC broadcast through their usual channel lineup.
For Spanish-speaking audiences, a live Spanish language simulcast of the parade will be available on Telemundo, ensuring wider access to this beloved holiday event.
How to Stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 Online
“Cord-cutters” have ample opportunities to stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 live from anywhere with an internet connection. The primary streaming hub for the parade is Peacock, NBCUniversal’s official streaming service.
Peacock: Your Go-To Streaming Hub
Peacock will offer a live simulcast of the entire parade, mirroring the NBC broadcast. This means you won’t miss a single balloon, float, or performance. Following the live event, Peacock will also host an encore telecast starting at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT, allowing you to rewatch the festivities at your convenience. Additionally, the full broadcast is expected to be available on-demand continuously afterward.
To access the parade on Peacock, you’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription. These plans typically start at $10.99 per month. Interestingly, Walmart+ members often receive Peacock Premium as an included benefit, offering a potential free streaming avenue for subscribers.
Leveraging Free Trials for Live TV Streaming
If you don’t have cable and prefer not to subscribe to Peacock, several live TV streaming services offer free trials that you can strategically use to watch the parade without immediate cost. These services provide access to NBC, ensuring you catch the live broadcast.
DirecTV Stream: This service offers a generous free trial period (often five days). Sign up before Thanksgiving, watch the parade, and then cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges. DirecTV Stream includes NBC in its channel packages.
Hulu + Live TV: Known for its extensive channel lineup, Hulu + Live TV typically provides a three-day free trial. This is another excellent option to get temporary access to NBC for parade day.
Fubo (check availability): While Fubo historically carried NBC, it’s always wise to double-check their current channel lineup due to potential contract disputes. If NBC is included, Fubo might also offer a free trial.
Remember to cancel any free trials before they expire to prevent unwanted charges. This method is perfect for one-off event viewing.
The Stars of the Show: Hosts, Performers, and New Attractions
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 promises an unforgettable lineup of entertainment, overseen by familiar faces and featuring thrilling new additions.
Beloved Hosts
The live broadcast from New York City will be helmed by the beloved trio from NBC’s “TODAY” show: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. Their witty commentary and infectious enthusiasm add an extra layer of enjoyment to the morning’s festivities.
Celebrity Performances
This year’s parade boasts an extensive and diverse array of musical guests and Broadway acts, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Kicking off the event will be “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. Other confirmed performers include:
Country artist Lainey Wilson
EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI (the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters)
Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, the Radio City Rockettes, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Luísa Sonza, and Teyana Taylor.
Broadway casts from Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime.
Exciting New Balloons and Floats
The spectacle wouldn’t be complete without its signature larger-than-life balloons and imaginative floats. The 2025 parade will feature a grand total of 32 balloons, three “balloonicles” (hybrid balloon-vehicles), 27 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands. A major highlight will be the debut of several brand-new attractions:
New Giant Character Balloons:
Buzz Lightyear (from Pixar Animation Studios)
Pac-Man (from Bandai Namco Entertainment America, Inc.)
Shrek’s Onion Carriage (from Universal Pictures’ DreamWorks Animation)
Mario (from Nintendo)
Also joining the ranks will be Derpy Tiger as a mid-sized balloon and Sussie as a balloonicle, both from Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters.
New Floats Making Their Debut:
“The Land of Ice & Wonder” by Holland America Line
“Brick-tastic Winter Mountain” by The LEGO Group
“Master Chocolatier Ballroom” by Lindt
“Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things” by Netflix
“Friends-giving in POPCITY” by Pop Mart
“The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator” by Serta
These new additions promise to bring fresh excitement and photo opportunities to the nearly century-old tradition.
Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 In Person
Experiencing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 live from the streets of Manhattan is an unforgettable experience, but it requires careful planning. The parade route spans approximately 2.5 miles through New York City.
The Official Parade Route
The journey of balloons, floats, and performers follows a well-established path:
- Starting Point: The parade officially begins on the Upper West Side at West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Central Park West: From its starting point, the procession heads south along Central Park West, traveling from West 77th Street down to West 59th Street.
- Columbus Circle: The parade then navigates around Columbus Circle.
- Central Park South: After Columbus Circle, it turns east onto Central Park South.
- 6th Avenue: The route then makes a turn south, proceeding down 6th Avenue.
- Macy’s Herald Square: The parade concludes its journey at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square, located on West 34th Street.
- West 34th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues (Macy’s Herald Square front).
- www.nbcnewyork.com
- www.yahoo.com
- www.newsweek.com
- www.rollingstone.com
- www.nj.com
Best Viewing Spots and Restricted Areas
Arriving early is crucial for securing a good spot along the parade route, as crowds gather hours before the start.
Recommended Public Viewing Areas:
Central Park West: Between West 60th and West 77th Streets. This section offers ample space and a classic New York backdrop.
Central Park South: Provides views as the parade turns from Columbus Circle.
6th Avenue: Between West 38th Streets and Central Park South. This stretch offers vibrant city views as the parade makes its way downtown.
Areas with NO Public Viewing:
To ensure safety and manage logistics, certain sections of the route are off-limits to general spectators:
The starting point at West 77th Street and Central Park West.
Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets.
Columbus Circle itself.
6th Avenue between West 34th and West 38th Streets (near Macy’s).
Always check local NYC government and Macy’s official channels closer to the date for any last-minute route changes or specific public access points.
Behind the Scenes: The Magic Makers
Beyond the glitz and glamour of parade day lies a year-round effort of dedicated artisans. Did you know that dozens of skilled individuals work tirelessly in a studio located in Moonachie, New Jersey, to construct the colossal floats and awe-inspiring balloons? This incredible workshop is where the magic truly begins, bringing imaginative designs to life long before they ever take to the streets of Manhattan.
Another popular pre-parade event is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation, which typically happens the day before Thanksgiving in the vicinity of the American Museum of Natural History. This is a unique opportunity to see the giant helium balloons gradually come to life, transforming from flat fabric into their majestic forms. It’s an unofficial kick-off to the holiday season and a fantastic experience for those visiting NYC early.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 officially start and end?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 27. The spectacular event runs for approximately three and a half hours, concluding around 12:00 p.m. ET. For West Coast viewers, the parade will also be simulcast live, ensuring you can watch it at 5:30 a.m. PT. An encore telecast will be available on Peacock starting at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT for those who miss the live show.
What are the best free streaming options to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The most reliable free streaming option is to tune into NBC over-the-air with an antenna. If you don’t have cable or an antenna, you can utilize free trials from live TV streaming services like DirecTV Stream (often a five-day free trial) or Hulu + Live TV (typically a three-day free trial). These trials provide temporary access to NBC. Additionally, Walmart+ members receive Peacock Premium as a benefit, allowing them to stream the parade at no extra cost if they are already subscribers. Remember to cancel trials before they expire.
What new floats and balloons can viewers expect at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will debut several exciting new attractions. Four new giant character balloons include Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Shrek’s Onion Carriage, and Mario. Additionally, six new floats will join the procession: “The Land of Ice & Wonder” by Holland America Line, “Brick-tastic Winter Mountain” by The LEGO Group, “Master Chocolatier Ballroom” by Lindt, “Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things” by Netflix, “Friends-giving in POPCITY” by Pop Mart, and “The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator” by Serta. These fresh additions promise to enhance the parade’s visual splendor.
Conclusion
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains a treasured American tradition, bringing joy and wonder to millions each year. With clear broadcast schedules, accessible streaming options, and detailed information on how to experience the magic in person, you’re now fully equipped to enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025. Whether you’re gathered with family around the TV, streaming on the go, or braving the crowds in NYC, prepare for a captivating start to your holiday season! Don’t forget to set your alarms for 8:30 a.m. ET on November 27th!
