5 Essential Ways To Stream The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Live In 2025

The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of America’s most cherished holiday traditions, and for the 99th Annual event on Thursday, November 27, 2025, there are more ways than ever to catch the spectacle live. Whether you are cutting up vegetables for a feast, traveling across time zones, or watching from outside the United States, knowing the current, official streaming options is crucial to avoid missing the iconic giant balloons and star-studded performances.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the five essential methods to stream the 2025 parade, from the official network broadcast to subscription-free options, ensuring you have front-row access to the floats, marching bands, and Broadway stars from the comfort of your home. The parade coverage begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and runs through 12:00 p.m. ET, airing simultaneously across all time zones.

The Official 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Streaming Guide

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is officially broadcast by NBCUniversal, which means your primary viewing and streaming options will be tied to their network and services.

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1. The Primary Streaming Hub: Peacock Premium

For the most reliable and high-quality live stream, Peacock, the official streaming service of NBCUniversal, is your best bet.

• What You Need: A subscription to Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus.
• Why It’s Best: Peacock will carry the live, comprehensive coverage of the parade starting at 8:30 a.m. ET. This is generally the easiest method for cord-cutters who want a guaranteed live feed without needing a cable login.
• Bonus: The platform often hosts an afternoon replay of the entire parade, which is perfect if you miss the live broadcast due to morning festivities.

2. Traditional Broadcast and Free Over-the-Air (OTA) Viewing

The parade remains a free, over-the-air event for millions of Americans with an antenna.

• NBC Network: The entire parade is broadcast live on the NBC television network. If you have a traditional cable or satellite package, simply tune in to your local NBC affiliate.
• Antenna/OTA: If you do not have cable, you can use a digital antenna to pick up your local NBC channel's broadcast signal for free. This is the most cost-effective way to watch the parade live.
• Telemundo: The parade is also broadcast live on Telemundo for Spanish-language coverage.

3. Live TV Streaming Services (The Cord-Cutter’s Cable)

If you have already ditched cable but subscribe to a "live TV" streaming bundle, you likely have access to NBC.

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• DIRECTV STREAM: This service typically includes local NBC channels in most markets.
• Sling TV: Depending on your location and the package you choose, Sling TV may offer your local NBC affiliate.
• Other Options: Services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are also common providers that carry NBC, offering another avenue for live streaming the event.

International Streaming: How to Watch the Parade from Anywhere

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a global spectacle, but its official broadcast is geo-restricted to the United States. For international viewers, there is a common, reliable method to stream the event.

4. Accessing the US Stream with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

For viewers outside the U.S. who wish to watch the official NBC/Peacock feed, a reliable VPN is the only practical solution.

• How it Works: A VPN allows you to connect to a server in the United States, effectively masking your location and making it appear as if you are browsing from within the U.S.
• Steps:
  1. Subscribe to a reputable VPN service (like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark).
  2. Connect to a U.S.-based server.
  3. Go to the Peacock website or app and log in (a Peacock subscription is still required).
  4. Stream the parade live starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.
• Disclaimer: While this is a popular method, ensure your VPN service is capable of consistently bypassing geo-restrictions.

What to Expect from the 99th Annual Parade

The 2025 parade promises a spectacular lineup of new giant balloons, celebrity performers, and high-energy floats. Knowing the key entities involved enhances the viewing experience and adds to the topical authority of the event.

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Key Balloons, Floats, and Performers

The 99th parade is set to feature a mix of returning classics and brand-new inflated characters, alongside major musical and Broadway talent.

New Giant Character Balloons (2025 Debut):

The most anticipated aspect of the parade is always the debut of new giant character balloons. For 2025, a few major additions are joining the lineup, including:

• Mario (Nintendo)
• Buzz Lightyear (Disney/Pixar)
• PAC-MAN (Bandai Namco)
• Shrek's Onion Carriage (Universal Pictures / DreamWorks Animation)
• Derpy Tiger (from K-Pop Demon Hunters)

Featured Performers and Broadway Stars:

The parade is a major showcase for Broadway and pop music talent. Past events have featured incredible performances, and the 2025 lineup is expected to be equally impressive.

• Cynthia Erivo (star of Wicked: For Good)
• Busta Rhymes
• Lil Jon
• Mickey Guyton
• Luisa Sonza
• Broadway Casts: Expect performances from the current season's biggest Broadway shows, often including the casts of popular musicals.

The parade’s route through Manhattan, starting at 8:30 a.m. ET, will also feature dozens of floats, world-class marching bands, and the grand finale appearance of Santa Claus, officially kicking off the holiday season.