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

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the quintessential start to the holiday season, a dazzling spectacle of giant balloons, elaborate floats, and star-studded performances that has captivated the nation for nearly a century. As of November 2025, the annual event continues its long-standing tradition, and knowing exactly where to tune in is crucial for planning your perfect Thanksgiving morning.

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, and the broadcast will be available across multiple platforms, from traditional cable television to the newest streaming services. Whether you are a dedicated cable subscriber or a cord-cutter, here is the definitive guide to watching every minute of the iconic New York City event, featuring new floats like Pop Mart’s Labubu and the *Stranger Things* balloon.

All-Access Viewing: The Official Channels and Start Time for 2025

The broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a massive operation, transforming a three-mile route in Manhattan into a live television event watched by over 50 million viewers nationwide. The official channel has been the home of the parade for decades, ensuring a consistent and high-quality viewing experience.

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The 2025 parade coverage officially begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and runs until 12:00 p.m. ET, broadcasting live in all time zones. This three-and-a-half-hour window ensures you catch the entire procession, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus.

1. The Official Network: NBC

For more than 70 years, NBC has been the official national broadcaster of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You can find the live coverage on your local NBC affiliate channel. The network provides exclusive commentary, high-definition camera angles, and in-depth coverage of the performances at Herald Square.

• Channel: Your local NBC station.
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET (Live in all time zones).
• Why Watch Here: This is the primary, most established, and highest-quality telecast, often featuring exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes segments.

2. The Official Streamer: Peacock

In the age of streaming, the official broadcast has a digital home. Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, is the exclusive streaming partner for the parade. This is the most direct and reliable way to watch the 2025 parade live without a traditional cable subscription.

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• Platform: Peacock (Subscription required).
• How to Access: Use the Peacock app on your smart TV, phone, tablet, or web browser.
• LSI Keyword: Peacock Macy's Day Parade Live Stream.

Streaming the Parade: Cord-Cutter Options and Live TV Services

For those who have moved away from cable but still rely on live TV streaming bundles, you have several excellent options to ensure you can access the NBC channel on Thanksgiving morning. These services carry local NBC feeds, allowing you to watch the parade as if you had a traditional cable box.

3. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a popular choice for live television, and it includes NBC in its channel lineup across most markets. It's a robust option for viewers who want a full cable-like experience.

4. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu’s live TV package offers a combination of on-demand content and live broadcast channels, including NBC. This is a great choice if you also want access to a vast library of movies and shows.

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5. FuboTV

FuboTV is often marketed toward sports fans, but its channel packages are comprehensive and include local networks like NBC, making it a reliable option for parade viewing.

6. DirecTV Stream and Sling TV

Both DirecTV Stream and Sling TV (depending on your specific package and location) offer access to local NBC affiliates. Always check your zip code on their websites to confirm that the NBC channel is included in your subscription before Thanksgiving Day.

The 2025 Parade Lineup: Star Power and New Entities to Watch

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to be a spectacular event, featuring a massive list of celebrity performers, Broadway casts, and exciting new additions that boost the topical authority of this year's telecast. Keep an eye out for these entities during the broadcast:

• Music Headliners: The lineup is packed with talent, including Cynthia Erivo, Ciara, Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, Teyana Taylor, Jewel, Kool & the Gang, Calum Scott, Christopher Jackson, and Conan Gray.
• Broadway Shows: The parade will feature high-energy performances from the casts of new and classic Broadway productions, such as *Ragtime*, *Just in Time*, and the *Buena Vista Social Club*.
• Giant Balloons: Look for the debut of the new Pop Mart’s Labubu balloon and the highly anticipated *Stranger Things* float and balloon, alongside classics like Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the iconic Ronald McDonald.

The Enduring Legacy of the Macy's Parade Broadcast

The ability to watch the parade from the comfort of your home is a tradition almost as old as the event itself. Understanding the history of the broadcast adds depth to the viewing experience and highlights NBC’s long-term role.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was first televised locally in New York City in 1939 as an experimental broadcast. It was shown again locally in 1946. The first national television broadcast took place in 1948, initially aired by CBS. However, by 1953, NBC officially took over as the national broadcaster, a partnership that has continued unbroken ever since.

Over the decades, the telecast has evolved significantly. It began as a one-hour program, expanded to two hours in the 1960s, and reached its current three-hour format in the 1970s. The broadcast has been helmed by a rotating cast of famous hosts, including Lorne Greene and Betty White in the 1960s, and Katie Couric, who famously hosted the parade for 14 years.

7. The Alternative: The CBS Telecast

While NBC is the official broadcaster, a second, non-official telecast of the parade is often aired by CBS. This broadcast typically focuses on the musical numbers and may feature different hosts and commentary than the NBC version. It serves as a great alternative if you are looking for a slightly different viewing angle or if your local NBC affiliate is unavailable for any reason. Always check your local CBS listings for the exact time and programming details.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a procession; it is a cultural touchstone that officially signals the start of the holiday season. By choosing one of these seven viewing options—from the official NBC telecast and Peacock stream to various OTT services—you can ensure that your Thanksgiving morning is filled with the magic, music, and massive balloons that define this beloved American tradition.