The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 7 Secrets To Watching The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live And Streaming

Every year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade signals the true start of the holiday season, a spectacular three-hour event that captures the imagination of millions. This year, the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to be one of the most memorable yet, featuring new giant balloons, dazzling floats, and world-class performances. If you are planning to watch the parade on Thursday, November 27, 2025, whether from the comfort of your home or braving the crowds in New York City, you need the most up-to-date guide to ensure you don't miss a single moment of the magic.

This comprehensive guide provides all the current, confirmed details for the 2025 parade, including the official start time, every streaming option available, the full parade route, and the insider secret to seeing the balloons up close the night before. Be prepared to tune in or stake out your spot early, as the festivities officially kick off at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and run until 12:00 p.m. ET in all time zones.

The Essential 2025 Viewing Methods: TV and Streaming Options

For the vast majority of Americans, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished, televised tradition. The official broadcast is handled by NBCUniversal, ensuring high-definition coverage, exclusive performances, and expert commentary. Knowing all your options—from traditional cable to modern streaming—is key to a stress-free Thanksgiving morning.

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1. The Official Broadcast: NBC

The 2025 parade will be broadcast live and exclusively on NBC. The coverage begins at 8:30 a.m. ET and continues until 12:00 p.m. ET. This is the traditional, reliable method for watching the parade, and it is available to anyone with a standard cable or satellite subscription that includes the NBC channel. The broadcast is a three-hour special, featuring all the major floats, balloons, and performances.

2. Premium Streaming: Peacock

For cord-cutters and those who prefer on-demand viewing, the official streaming home for the parade is Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service. The live stream will also begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. For the 2025 event, Peacock is expected to offer a special "multiview" mode, allowing viewers to switch between different camera angles and perspectives, providing a unique, customizable viewing experience that you can’t get on traditional television.

3. Live TV Streaming Services

If you don't have cable but subscribe to an over-the-top (OTT) live TV service, you can still catch the NBC broadcast live. These services are an excellent alternative for those who want the traditional TV experience without a long-term cable contract. Confirmed services carrying the NBC feed include:

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• Fubo
• YouTube TV
• DirecTV Stream
• Hulu + Live TV
• Sling TV (via a package that includes NBC)

4. Spanish-Language Simulcast: Telemundo

Viewers who prefer a Spanish-language broadcast can tune in to Telemundo, which will offer a live simulcast of the entire parade. This option ensures that a wider audience can enjoy the festivities with commentary in their preferred language.

The 2025 Parade Route and Best Live Viewing Spots in NYC

Nothing beats the energy of watching the parade live in New York City. The 2025 parade follows the traditional 2.5-mile route through Manhattan, offering several public viewing areas. If you plan to attend in person, arriving extremely early—by 6:00 a.m. ET—is mandatory to secure a good spot.

The Official Route Details

The parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. ET and follows this path:

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1. The Start: West 77th Street and Central Park West.
2. Southbound Leg: Travels south along Central Park West.
3. Eastbound Turn: Turns east onto 59th Street (Central Park South).
4. Southbound Final Leg: Turns south onto 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas).
5. The Finish: Ends at Macy's Herald Square (34th Street).

5. Best Public Viewing Spots

Choosing the right spot is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Note that the area directly in front of Macy's Herald Square is reserved for the NBC television broadcast and is not available for public viewing.

• Central Park West (75th St to 61st St): This is arguably the best area for viewing. The parade is just starting here, meaning the crowds are slightly less dense than further down the route. The view is unobstructed, and the balloons are at their lowest point before gaining altitude.
• 6th Avenue (59th St to 38th St): This is the main stretch of the parade. Any spot along 6th Avenue in this range offers a good view, but crowds will be shoulder-to-shoulder. The parade reaches this section later, around 9:00 a.m. ET.

Spots to AVOID for Public Viewing

To save yourself disappointment, avoid these locations:

• West 77th Street & Central Park West: The official starting point is closed to the public.
• Macy's Herald Square (34th Street): This area is reserved for the television broadcast and is heavily restricted.
• The South Side of 59th Street: Viewing is limited due to the parade turning onto 6th Avenue.

The Insider Secret: The Balloon Inflation Celebration

For those who want an up-close, truly unique experience without the massive crowds of Thanksgiving morning, the annual Balloon Inflation Celebration is a must-see event and a key piece of topical authority.

6. The Pre-Parade Event: Balloon Inflation

The day before the parade, the giant character balloons—including classics like Beagle Scout Snoopy and new additions like Buzz Lightyear, Mario, and Bluey—are slowly inflated. This spectacle takes place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

• Location: The streets surrounding the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side.
• Entry Point: Visitors should enter the viewing area at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.
• Cost: No tickets are required for this event, making it a free and fantastic way to get close to the massive characters before they take flight.

The 2025 Parade Lineup Highlights

The 99th annual parade will feature a staggering lineup of entertainment, ensuring there is something for everyone. This year's event is expected to feature 34 giant balloons, 28 floats, five new balloons, and seven new floats, including "The Littlest Float" by Goldfish.

7. Featured Performers and Key Entities

The parade's lineup is always packed with star power, including Broadway casts and musical icons. The 2025 event is set to feature a diverse array of talent, ensuring high-energy performances from the moment the parade begins.

• Musical Guests (Entities): The lineup is slated to include performances from major names such as Cynthia Erivo, Busta Rhymes, Kool & the Gang, Jewel, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Ciara, Shaggy, and Gavin DeGraw.
• Broadway Shows (Entities): Traditional performances from the casts of current Broadway hits are a staple of the parade, taking place right in front of Macy's Herald Square.
• Colossal Balloons (Entities): Look out for the return of fan favorites and the debut of new giant character balloons. Confirmed characters include PAC-MAN, Shrek's Onion Carriage, Bluey, Minnie Mouse, and the aforementioned Buzz Lightyear and Mario.

By utilizing the official NBC broadcast, the Peacock stream, or by planning your visit to the Central Park West viewing corridor or the pre-parade balloon inflation event, you can ensure your 2025 Thanksgiving Day starts with the spectacular tradition of the Macy's Parade.