The Ultimate 2025 Streaming Guide: 7 Ways To Watch The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live

Thanksgiving morning in 2025 is set to be a spectacular event, as the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes over the streets of New York City. If you’re planning your holiday schedule for Thursday, November 27, 2025, knowing exactly where to find the live stream is the key to enjoying the iconic balloons, star-studded performances, and intricate floats from the comfort of your home. This year, the broadcast features a mix of traditional over-the-air television and cutting-edge streaming services, ensuring every household can tune in for the three-hour holiday spectacle. The good news is that accessing the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is easier and more flexible than ever before, thanks to a variety of digital and cable options. The official broadcast partner, NBC, is providing multiple avenues to watch, including their dedicated streaming platform, Peacock, which offers the most comprehensive and uninterrupted viewing experience. Whether you're cutting the cord, using a traditional cable package, or looking for a free, no-subscription option, this guide details every way to stream the parade this November.

The Definitive 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Streaming Platforms

The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled to air live on Thursday, November 27, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and running until 12:00 p.m. ET in all time zones. The official broadcast is a joint effort across multiple platforms, giving viewers seven distinct methods to catch the action.

1. Peacock: The Official Streaming Home

Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, is the primary destination for cord-cutters and the most reliable place to stream the parade live.

• Why it’s the Best Option: Peacock offers a dedicated, often commercial-free or reduced-commercial live stream of the entire parade, often with unique camera angles or behind-the-scenes content not available on the main network broadcast.
• Access: A subscription to Peacock is required. The parade is typically available on the Premium tier.

2. NBC (Over-the-Air Broadcast)

For those who prefer the traditional method, the parade is broadcast live on the NBC television network.

• Free Viewing Option: This is the only truly free method to watch the parade without a subscription. If you have a digital antenna, you can tune into your local NBC affiliate.
• Coverage: The broadcast runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.

3. Telemundo (Spanish Language Broadcast)

The parade is also broadcast live on Telemundo, offering Spanish-language coverage of the entire event.

• Accessibility: This provides an excellent alternative for viewers who prefer Spanish commentary and is available through most cable and satellite packages, as well as select live TV streaming services.

4. Hulu + Live TV

As a comprehensive live TV streaming service, Hulu + Live TV includes local NBC affiliates in most markets.

• How to Watch: A subscription to Hulu + Live TV grants you access to the live NBC feed, allowing you to watch the parade as it airs.

5. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another top-tier live streaming option that carries NBC.

• Features: YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR feature allows you to record the entire parade to watch later, which is perfect for those who want to sleep in or are hosting Thanksgiving morning activities.

6. FuboTV

FuboTV, known for its strong lineup of sports and local channels, also includes NBC in its channel packages.

• Trial Option: FuboTV often offers a free trial for new subscribers, which could allow you to watch the parade for free if you time your sign-up correctly.

7. Sling TV

Depending on your geographic location and the Sling TV package you choose (typically Sling Blue), you may have access to your local NBC station.

• Cost-Effective: Sling TV is generally one of the more budget-friendly live TV streaming services, making it a good choice for those who only need a few key channels.

What’s New for the 99th Macy’s Parade: New Balloons and Floats

The 2025 parade promises to be one of the most exciting in years, featuring 34 giant balloons, 28 floats, 10 marching bands, and over 1,000 clowns. The introduction of new balloons and floats is always the highlight, bringing fresh pop culture and classic characters to the streets of Manhattan.

The Debut Balloons of 2025

Several highly anticipated character balloons will make their debut flight in 2025, adding to the parade’s visual spectacle.

• Buzz Lightyear: The beloved Space Ranger from Pixar’s *Toy Story* franchise will soar high above the crowds, representing the spirit of adventure.
• Mario: The iconic Nintendo plumber, Mario, is joining the lineup, a massive tribute to video game culture.
• Derpy Tiger: A fan-favorite character from the animated movie musical *KPop Demon Hunters* will make its first appearance as a giant balloon.
• PAC-MAN: The classic arcade character will be featured, a nostalgic nod for many viewers.
• Shrek's Onion Carriage: While Shrek has been in the parade before, his new Onion Carriage balloon promises a humorous and detailed addition to the character lineup.

Featured Floats and Classic Favorites

The 28 floats, which serve as mobile stages for the musical acts, are also a centerpiece of the parade. New and returning floats that add topical authority include:

• The perennial favorite, 1-2-3 Sesame Street®, featuring classic characters.
• The colorful Birds of a Feather Stream Together float, a subtle nod to the parade's streaming home on Peacock.
• The festive Brick-tastic Winter float, a popular returning spectacle.
• The massive Big Turkey Spectacular, a must-see for Thanksgiving morning.

Star-Studded Lineup: Who is Performing in the 2025 Parade?

The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature a dazzling array of musical and theatrical performances, ensuring there is something for every viewer. These performances are typically staged outside Macy’s Herald Square and on the various floats.

A Complete List of Confirmed 2025 Performers (Entities)

The 2025 lineup is packed with major names from music, Broadway, and television, providing a high-energy soundtrack to the parade.

• Cynthia Erivo: The *Wicked: For Good* star is a major headliner, bringing Broadway star power to the event.
• Busta Rhymes: The legendary rapper is set to deliver a high-energy performance.
• Ciara: The Atlanta-based singer will be performing, bringing a contemporary R&B flair.
• Jewel: The multi-platinum singer-songwriter will be featured atop one of the elaborate floats.
• Foreigner: The classic rock band will perform some of their greatest hits.
• Debbie Gibson: The pop icon is confirmed to perform.
• Lil Jon: The rapper is set to “level up” the parade with his crunk energy.
• Mickey Guyton: The country music star will be featured.
• Gavin DeGraw: The singer-songwriter is also on the bill.
• Shaggy: The Jamaican reggae fusion artist will bring his unique sound.
• Other Notables: Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Calum Scott, and Christopher Jackson are also confirmed to appear.

In-Person Viewing: The 2.5-Mile Parade Route and Best Spots

For those who are in New York City, experiencing the parade live is a completely different, unforgettable tradition. The parade follows a 2.5-mile route through Manhattan.

The Official 2025 Route Details

The procession begins on the Upper West Side and makes its way south.

1. Start Point: The parade officially steps off at West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. ET.
2. First Leg: It travels south down Central Park West to Columbus Circle.
3. Second Leg: The route then turns onto Central Park South/West 59th Street.
4. Final Leg: The parade turns south onto 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and continues all the way down to West 38th Street.
5. End Point: The procession concludes at the iconic Macy's Herald Square (34th Street).

Prime Viewing Locations for Spectators

If you plan to attend, arriving early—before 6:30 a.m.—is essential to secure a spot.

• Best Guaranteed View: Central Park West (61st to 75th Street). This stretch is less crowded than the end of the route and provides great views as the balloons are first inflated and launched.
• Mid-Route Action: 6th Avenue (West 59th Street to West 38th Street). This is where the majority of the crowds gather. The stretch between West 59th Street and West 38th Street is a popular viewing area, but avoid the area directly in front of Macy's Herald Square, as it is reserved for the official NBC broadcast and ticketed seating.

Whether you choose to stream the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Peacock, catch the free broadcast on NBC, or brave the early morning crowds in New York, the 2025 event is poised to deliver a memorable start to the holiday season.