The Ultimate 2025 Viewing Guide: What Channel Is The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade On?

The official channel for the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2025 is NBC, with the exclusive streaming partner being Peacock. This year’s parade, a cornerstone of American holiday tradition, is scheduled to air live on Thursday, November 27, 2025. For nearly a century, the parade has served as the official kickoff to the holiday season, bringing a spectacular show of larger-than-life balloons, elaborate floats, and star-studded performances right into your living room.

The broadcast will begin early, allowing viewers across the country to catch the spectacular three-hour event. Knowing the exact channel and start time is crucial, especially for those planning their Thanksgiving morning around the iconic march through the streets of New York City. This comprehensive guide details every way you can watch the parade, from traditional cable to cutting-edge streaming services, ensuring you don't miss a minute of the action.

The Official Channels and Start Time for the 2025 Parade

The question of "what channel is the Thanksgiving Parade on" has a clear and consistent answer: it’s an NBC tradition. However, in the modern media landscape, the viewing options have expanded significantly, giving fans more flexibility than ever before.

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The Main Broadcast Channel: NBC

• Primary Channel: NBC (National Broadcasting Company).
• Air Time: The live broadcast is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET (Eastern Time).
• Time Zone Coverage: This is a major point of confusion for viewers. The parade is broadcast live in the Eastern Time Zone, but NBC will air the program in all other time zones (CT, MT, PT) on a delayed basis, starting at 8:30 a.m. local time.
• Replay Option: For those who miss the live show, NBC typically offers an afternoon replay of the entire broadcast, usually starting around 2:00 p.m. ET.

Exclusive Streaming Partner: Peacock

For the second year, the parade’s official streaming home is Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service. This is the only way to officially stream the entire live broadcast online without a cable login.

• Platform: Peacock (Premium subscription required).
• Start Time: Streaming begins simultaneously with the NBC broadcast at 8:30 a.m. ET.
• New for 2025: Peacock is expected to offer a special "multiview mode," allowing subscribers to watch the parade from multiple camera angles or perspectives simultaneously, a first for the event.

Alternative Ways to Stream the Parade Without Cable

The era of needing a traditional cable subscription to watch major events is over. If you've cut the cord, several Live TV streaming services carry NBC, making them excellent alternatives to catch the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade live.

Live TV Streaming Services Carrying NBC

These services include NBC in their channel lineups, but you must ensure that your local NBC affiliate is available in your area before subscribing. A free trial is often the best way to test the service before the holiday. Key platforms include:

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• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• FuboTV
• Sling TV (Blue package, in select markets)
• DIRECTV STREAM

Each of these services provides access to the live NBC feed, allowing you to watch the parade in real-time as it unfolds on the streets of Manhattan. Be sure to check your local listings for the most accurate start time in your region.

Meet the Hosts and Star-Studded Lineup for the 99th Annual Event

Part of the parade’s enduring appeal is the familiar faces and celebrity talent that guide viewers through the spectacle. The 99th parade is expected to continue this tradition with a stellar cast of hosts and performers, bringing high-level topical authority to the event.

The Beloved Hosts from the 'Today' Show

The broadcast is traditionally anchored by the familiar trio from NBC's "Today" show. While the official 2025 lineup is confirmed closer to the date, the 2024 hosts, who are highly likely to return for the 99th parade, were:

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• Savannah Guthrie: Co-anchor of the "Today" show.
• Hoda Kotb: Co-anchor of the "Today" show.
• Al Roker: The legendary weather anchor who provides color commentary and interviews from the street.

Expected Featured Performers and Musical Guests

The parade is a major showcase for Broadway shows, musical artists, and dance troupes. The 2025 lineup will feature new faces, but based on recent years, the caliber of talent is always top-tier. For example, the 2024 parade featured major stars and entities, including:

• Cynthia Erivo: Already confirmed as a featured performer, representing the movie Wicked: For Good.
• Jennifer Hudson
• Kylie Minogue
• Billy Porter
• T-Pain
• Dan + Shay
• Alison Brie
• The Radio City Rockettes
• Cast of Broadway's Death Becomes Her

These performers are spread across the parade route, often appearing on one of the spectacular floats, such as the famous "Santa's Sleigh" or the "Big Red Shoe" float.

Key Entities and Traditions to Watch Out For

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a broadcast; it's a spectacle built on iconic entities and long-standing traditions. Understanding these elements enhances the viewing experience, whether you're watching on NBC or streaming on Peacock.

The Iconic Balloons and Floats

Every year introduces new balloons and floats alongside the returning classics. The 99th parade will feature nearly two dozen giant character balloons, including fan favorites like:

• Snoopy (in various iterations over the years)
• Pikachu
• SpongeBob SquarePants
• Grogu (The Child)
• Ronald McDonald

The floats—elaborate, multi-story productions—often feature themes like "The Big Apple," "Tom Turkey," and "The Nutcracker."

The Marching Bands and Broadway Acts

A crucial element of the parade is the high school and college marching bands selected from across the nation. Additionally, the broadcast features exclusive performances from the casts of current Broadway shows, which is a major draw for musical theater fans. The 2025 event will showcase acts from the hottest shows currently running on the Great White Way.

In summary, securing your viewing spot on NBC or via the Peacock streaming service is the only way to officially experience the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade live on November 27, 2025. Set your alarms for 8:30 a.m. ET, prepare your favorite breakfast, and get ready for the official start of the holiday season.