The Ultimate 2024 Guide: 5 Ways To Watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Live (Plus New Balloons & Route Secrets)

Thanksgiving morning is incomplete without the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2024 edition promises to be one of the most spectacular in history, featuring a record number of new giant balloons and a star-studded lineup. This year's 98th annual parade will step off on Thursday, November 28, 2024, bringing its legendary floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances to the streets of New York City and to millions of screens nationwide. The official broadcast is the only way to catch the exclusive musical numbers and the grand entrance of Santa Claus, so knowing exactly where to tune in is essential for planning your holiday morning.

The good news for cord-cutters and traditional TV viewers alike is that watching the spectacle is easier than ever, thanks to a clear, multi-platform broadcast strategy from NBCUniversal. Whether you prefer the reliability of a major network, the convenience of a dedicated streaming service like Peacock, or even a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo, every option is covered to ensure you don't miss a single minute of the holiday magic. Keep reading for the definitive guide on how to watch the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, including the official start time, the full celebrity lineup, and the secrets to catching the new floats.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Official Broadcast Details

The 98th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be broadcast live and streamed across multiple platforms, with the main show hosted by the familiar faces of NBC’s Today show.

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• Official Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
• Start Time: 8:30 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• End Time: 12:00 PM (Noon) in all time zones
• Main Network: NBC
• Official Streaming Service: Peacock
• Hosts: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker
• Spanish-Language Broadcast: Telemundo

1. How to Watch the Official Live Stream on Peacock

For cord-cutters, the most reliable and official way to stream the 2024 parade is through NBCUniversal's dedicated streaming platform, Peacock.

The entire parade, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM EST, will be available to stream live on Peacock. This is the exact same broadcast airing on NBC, ensuring you don't miss any of the exclusive Broadway performances or celebrity appearances. A Peacock Premium subscription is required to access the live stream, with plans starting at $5.99 per month.

2. Watching on Traditional Cable or Antenna via NBC

If you have a traditional cable subscription or a digital antenna, tuning in to your local NBC affiliate is the most straightforward option. The NBC broadcast is the home of the official coverage, featuring the iconic commentary from hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and the parade veteran, Al Roker.

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The broadcast is tape-delayed for viewers in the Mountain and Pacific time zones to ensure the parade airs in the 8:30 AM local time slot, making it a perfect pre-Thanksgiving dinner event for everyone across the country.

3. Streaming the Parade via Live TV Services

For those who have cut the cord but still subscribe to a live TV streaming service, you can watch the NBC broadcast through your existing subscription.

Major Live TV Streaming Services that carry NBC (check your local area for availability):

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• Hulu + Live TV: Includes NBC in its channel lineup.
• YouTube TV: A comprehensive option that carries the local NBC feed.
• FuboTV: Known for its extensive channel lineup, including NBC.
• Sling TV: NBC is available in select markets through the Sling Blue package.

4. The Spanish-Language Simulcast on Telemundo

Viewers can enjoy the parade with a dedicated Spanish-language broadcast on Telemundo. This simulcast offers a unique viewing experience, often featuring its own celebrity hosts and cultural commentary.

The 2024 Telemundo broadcast will be hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz, and Clovis Nienow. This coverage often features exclusive performances, including Luísa Sonza and the cast of the Broadway musical *Buena Vista Social Club*, adding a fresh perspective to the morning's festivities.

5. Alternative and Free Viewing Options

While NBC and Peacock hold the official, exclusive broadcast rights, some alternative options may be available, particularly for those looking for a free stream.

• Public Viewpoints: Attending the parade in person is completely free.
• News Channel Streams: Some news channels, like Pluto TV (which carries ABC News Live and Live Now Fox), sometimes offer unofficial, less-produced live coverage of the parade route, especially in areas where the official broadcast is delayed.
• Local Affiliate Websites: Occasionally, local NBC affiliate websites will offer a temporary free stream of their local newscast, which may include the parade, though this is not guaranteed or officially promoted.

The Must-See New Balloons and Star-Studded Lineup for 2024

The 2024 parade is set to be a landmark event, tying a record for the most new giant character balloons to debut in a single year, providing a massive boost to the parade's topical authority and appeal.

New Giant Balloons and Floats

Expect to see six spectacular new giant character balloons, alongside new floats that capture the imagination of millions.

• New Character Balloons: The list includes a newly designed, massive Goku from the *Dragon Ball* franchise, the space ranger Buzz Lightyear, and new figures representing popular children's shows like PAW Patrol and Gabby's Dollhouse.
• New Floats: Keep an eye out for the magical new Santa's Sleigh float and themed floats such as Candy Cosmos by Haribo and Dora's Fantastical Rainforest by Nickelodeon & Paramount.

The Celebrity Performance Roster

The parade's lineup of performers is always a major draw, with celebrity appearances taking place on the floats and in the exclusive performance area in front of Macy's Herald Square.

Confirmed stars for the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade include:

• Major Recording Artists: Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, T-Pain, and Luísa Sonza.
• Broadway & Stage Icons: Billy Porter, Cynthia Erivo, and Idina Menzel.
• Dance and Performance Groups: Look for dazzling routines from groups like Brickhouse NYC and Pretty BIG Movement.

The 2024 Parade Route and In-Person Viewing Secrets

For those planning a trip to New York City to experience the parade live, knowing the route and the best viewing spots is crucial. Attending the parade is free, but securing a good spot requires an early start.

The Official 2.5-Mile Parade Route

The parade follows a classic route that begins on the Upper West Side and winds its way down to Midtown Manhattan.

1. Start Point: Central Park West at 77th Street.
2. First Stretch: Marches south down Central Park West to Columbus Circle.
3. Mid-Route: Turns east onto Central Park South, then heads south down 6th Avenue.
4. Final Approach: Continues down 6th Avenue to 34th Street.
5. End Point: West 34th Street at Macy's Herald Square.

Best Public Viewing Areas and Tips

The parade is a massive event, and certain areas are better—and less crowded—than others.

• Best Spots (Central Park West): The stretch along Central Park West, from West 75th Street down to West 61st Street, offers excellent, unobstructed viewing. To secure a spot here, plan to arrive as early as 6:00 AM.
• Avoid (Macy's Herald Square): The area directly in front of Macy's Herald Square (34th Street) is reserved for the official NBC broadcast, including the exclusive musical performances that are shown on television. Public access is severely limited or non-existent here.
• The 6th Avenue Stretch: Viewing along 6th Avenue is popular, but the crowds are denser due to the urban canyon effect. The parade typically reaches 6th Avenue around 9:00 AM.

Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished annual tradition, and the 2024 event, with its record-tying number of new balloons and a powerhouse celebrity lineup, is one you won't want to miss. Whether you're streaming on Peacock, tuning in to NBC, or braving the crowds in New York City, your holiday morning is set for a spectacular start. Remember to check your local listings and set your alarms for 8:30 AM EST on Thursday, November 28, 2024, to catch the magic.