9 Essential Ways To Watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2025: Your Complete Live Coverage Guide

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to deliver its spectacular, high-flying tradition on Thursday, November 27, 2025, officially kicking off the holiday season for millions of viewers across the United States. This year's coverage promises to be the most immersive yet, with new broadcast features and a star-studded lineup of floats, giant balloons, and musical performances. Whether you are planning a watch party or tuning in from your phone, getting the most up-to-date information on how and when to watch is crucial to enjoying America’s favorite holiday spectacle.

For those eager to catch every moment of the iconic march from Manhattan's Upper West Side to Herald Square, the broadcast begins bright and early. We've compiled the definitive guide to the 2025 parade coverage, from the main network broadcast to the latest streaming innovations and a sneak peek at the new attractions you absolutely cannot miss.

The Definitive 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadcast and Streaming Guide

The 99th edition of the parade continues its long-standing tradition of broadcasting across multiple platforms, ensuring that over 50 million viewers nationwide can tune in to the three-hour event. The live coverage is specifically tailored to provide a high-quality viewing experience, regardless of how you choose to watch.

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• Parade Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Live Broadcast Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET (Eastern Time)
• Location: Live from New York City
• Encore Presentation: A full replay will air on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT.

1. The Main Network Broadcast: NBC and Telemundo

The most traditional way to watch the parade is via the official network broadcast on NBC. The coverage starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. ET, and runs until the arrival of Santa Claus at Macy's Herald Square. For Spanish-speaking audiences, the parade is also simulcast live on Telemundo, providing comprehensive bilingual coverage of the event.

2. The Official Streaming Hub: Peacock’s New Multi-View Option

The biggest news in 2025 coverage is the enhanced streaming experience on Peacock. For the first time, Peacock subscribers can access a multi-view mode, allowing viewers to watch the parade from three different camera angles simultaneously. This innovative feature is a game-changer for fans who want to see everything from the giant balloons soaring high to the incredible marching bands on the ground. Peacock will stream the entire live broadcast, making it the premier option for cord-cutters.

3. Live TV Streaming Services (Cable Alternatives)

If you don't have a traditional cable subscription but want to watch the NBC broadcast live, several live TV streaming services carry the channel in most markets. These platforms are excellent alternatives for full, high-definition coverage:

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• Hulu with Live TV
• YouTubeTV
• Sling TV
• DirecTV Stream
• Fubo TV

Meet the Hosts and Star-Studded Performer Lineup

The energy and excitement of the parade are amplified by the familiar faces guiding viewers through the event and the incredible talent taking the stage. The 2025 lineup is packed with both Broadway stars and chart-topping musical acts.

The Official Broadcast Hosts

Returning to anchor the coverage from their booth in Herald Square are the beloved hosts from the Today show: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. Their chemistry and decades of experience covering the parade provide the authoritative and heartwarming commentary that millions of families rely on every Thanksgiving morning.

Must-See Musical and Broadway Performances

The 99th parade features a diverse array of 29 performers, delivering must-see performances from various points along the route and at the iconic 34th Street flagship store. Key highlights include:

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• Cynthia Erivo (of Wicked: For Good fame)
• K-pop sensation HUNTR/X
• Pop icon Conan Gray
• Hip-Hop Legend Busta Rhymes
• Singer-songwriter Calum Scott
• Broadway star Christopher Jackson
• Country artist Drew Baldridge
• Pop-rock favorite Gavin DeGraw
• The legendary rock band Foreigner
• Pop star Debbie Gibson

What’s New for the 99th Annual Parade: Balloons, Floats, and Route Details

Every year, the parade introduces new elements to keep the tradition fresh. The 2025 parade will feature 18 giant helium balloons, 33 mid-sized balloons, and a total of 27 floats, including several exciting debuts.

New Balloons and Floats to Watch For

Seven brand-new floats are making their debut this year, showcasing creative designs from various sponsors. One notable new entry is "The Littlest Float" by Goldfish, which promises a charming and unique presence as it drives the route alongside the larger, more established floats. Fans can also look forward to classics and new favorites among the 34 total balloons, including:

• Beagle Scout Snoopy
• Bluey
• Buzz Lightyear
• Tom Turkey (The iconic Macy's signature float)
• DORA's Fantastical Rainforest (Nickelodeon)
• Colossal Wave of Wonder (Kalahari Resorts)

The sheer scale of the parade requires a massive effort, involving 33 clown groups, dozens of marching bands, and thousands of participants, all contributing to the spectacle that draws over 3.5 million people to the streets of New York City.

The Iconic Parade Route

The 2.5-mile route remains the same as in recent years, starting on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The procession moves south, providing numerous viewing spots before culminating in its grand finale at Macy's Herald Square (34th Street), where the main performance stage is located. The parade's history dates back to 1924, when it was originally called the "Macy's Christmas Parade" and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo, before the giant character balloons, like the first one, Felix the Cat (introduced in 1927), became the signature attraction.

How to Prepare for Optimal Viewing

To ensure you have the best experience watching the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, whether at home or on the go, preparation is key.

Check Your Time Zone

While the parade begins at 8:30 a.m. ET, the broadcast time is the same across all time zones. This means if you are on the West Coast, the parade will begin at 5:30 a.m. PT. Be sure to set your alarm accordingly to catch the start of the show.

Test Your Streaming Service

If you plan to use the new Peacock multi-view option or any other streaming service, ensure your subscription is active and your app is updated well before Thanksgiving morning. A quick test run will prevent any technical issues from interrupting the start of the parade.

Plan Your Post-Parade Activities

The parade concludes at 12:00 p.m. ET, just in time for most families to transition to their Thanksgiving meal preparations. The arrival of Santa Claus signals the official start of the Christmas shopping season, a tradition that has been the core mission of the parade since its inception nearly a century ago.

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a broadcast; it is a cherished American tradition that has evolved with technology, offering fresh ways to experience the magic of New York City’s holiday kickoff. With the comprehensive coverage available across NBC, Telemundo, and the innovative Peacock multi-view stream, you are guaranteed a front-row seat to all the balloons, floats, and star-studded performances.