7 Essential Ways To Stream The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live (Plus The Full Lineup)

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished American tradition, and for millions who can't be on the streets of New York City, the live stream is the only way to catch the action. This year, the 99th annual parade on Thursday, November 27, 2025, promises to be bigger than ever, with new streaming features and a star-studded lineup that you won't want to miss. For the most up-to-date information on how to watch every float, balloon, and performance, this is your definitive guide to securing the best live stream, whether you're looking for the official broadcast or a free viewing option.

Getting the best viewing experience for the 2025 parade is all about knowing which platform offers the most reliable, high-quality stream. From the official network broadcast to the innovative new features on dedicated streaming services, we have broken down all the ways you can tune in from 8:30 a.m. ET to noon, ensuring your Thanksgiving morning is filled with festive cheer and spectacular sights.

The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Event Profile and Key Details

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is more than just a procession; it is a cultural phenomenon that officially kicks off the holiday season. The 99th edition in 2025 continues a nearly century-long legacy, bringing together music, Broadway, giant character balloons, and dazzling floats for a three-hour spectacle. Knowing the core details is the first step to planning your perfect viewing experience.

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• Event Name: The 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day)
• Time: 8:30 a.m. ET to 12:00 p.m. ET (Live in all time zones)
• Official Broadcasters: NBC and Telemundo
• Official Streaming Home: Peacock
• Hosts: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker
• Route: The parade begins near Central Park West and 77th Street, travels down Central Park West, turns onto Central Park South, then proceeds down Sixth Avenue to Macy's Herald Square.
• Parade Size: Features 18 giant helium balloons, 33 mid-sized balloons, 27 floats, and more than 33 clown groups.

The 7 Best Ways to Catch the Macy's Day Parade Stream in 2025

With more options than ever before, choosing where to watch the parade can be confusing. Here are the seven most reliable and official methods for catching the live stream, including the new, exclusive features available this year.

1. The Official Peacock Live Stream (Best for Exclusive Features)

Peacock is the dedicated streaming home for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and is arguably the best way to watch the event live in 2025. The platform will stream the full NBC broadcast starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.

• Multiview Experience: For the first time, Peacock will offer a unique multiview streaming mode. This feature allows viewers to watch the main parade action alongside other feeds, such as a dedicated camera for the marching bands, a focus on the new balloons, or a behind-the-scenes look. This is a massive upgrade for dedicated fans.
• Accessibility: Available in all time zones simultaneously with the live event.

2. NBC and Telemundo Broadcast (The Traditional Route)

The parade will be broadcast live on the NBC television network and its Spanish-language counterpart, Telemundo. This is the classic way to watch and is the source of the official commentary from hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker.

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• Free Option: If you have an antenna, you can watch NBC over-the-air for free.
• Encore Presentation: NBC will also air an encore presentation of the parade at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT for those who miss the morning broadcast.

3. NBC's Official Website and App (Free for Cable Subscribers)

For those with a cable or satellite subscription that includes NBC, you can often stream the parade directly through the official NBC website or the NBC app. This method requires logging in with your TV provider credentials.

4. Live TV Streaming Services (Cord-Cutter's Choice)

If you've cut the cord but still subscribe to a live TV streaming package, you can watch the NBC feed through these services, provided they carry your local NBC affiliate. These are excellent alternatives to traditional cable.

• Popular Options: Fubo, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV all typically carry NBC and are reliable sources for the macys thanksgiving day parade live stream.
• Free Trial Potential: Many of these services offer a short free trial, which you could potentially use to watch the parade for free.

5. International Streaming via VPN (For Global Fans)

The official stream is geo-restricted to the United States. International viewers who want to catch the live U.S. broadcast can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access a U.S. streaming service like Peacock or Hulu + Live TV. This is the only reliable method for watching the official macys parade stream from outside the U.S.

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6. Local News Affiliates (Secondary Coverage)

While the national NBC broadcast is the main event, local NBC news affiliates in the New York City area sometimes offer secondary live streams on their websites or social media channels. While the quality and commentary may vary, this can occasionally serve as a backup for regional viewers.

7. Social Media and Unofficial Streams (Use with Caution)

While often unreliable and sometimes of poor quality, you may find unofficial feeds on platforms like YouTube or Facebook. It is highly recommended to stick to the official streaming options (Peacock, NBC) to ensure a stable, high-definition broadcast without interruptions or legal concerns.

The Star-Studded Lineup: Performers, New Balloons, and Floats for 2025

What makes the 2025 parade a must-watch event are the fresh additions to the lineup. The 99th annual event is packed with new character balloons and a diverse roster of musical acts, adding significant topical authority to the broadcast.

New Giant Character Balloons (A Must-See)

The iconic giant balloons are the heart of the parade. This year, expect to see several exciting new additions making their debut flight down the New York streets:

• Derpy Tiger from the popular series "KPop Demon Hunters"
• Buzz Lightyear (a massive return for a fan-favorite character)
• Mario (The classic video game icon)
• PAC-MAN (Another gaming legend)
• Shrek's Onion Carriage (A whimsical new float-balloon hybrid)

Dazzling New Floats

The floats are intricate, moving stages that carry the performers and celebrate different themes. The 2025 parade will feature a brand new float that is sure to draw attention:

• LABUBU Float: This new addition brings a fresh, contemporary design to the parade.
• Returning Favorites: Look out for popular floats like 1-2-3 Sesame Street, Big Turkey Spectacular, Birds of a Feather Stream Together, and Brick-tastic Winter.

Full List of Featured Musical Performances (Topical Entities)

The array of featured performers riding the floats and delivering show-stopping numbers is a major draw for the macys day parade stream. The 2025 lineup is incredibly strong, covering multiple genres and generations:

• Cynthia Erivo
• Conan Gray
• Ciara
• Busta Rhymes
• Calum Scott
• Christopher Jackson
• Jewel
• Foreigner
• Debbie Gibson
• Mickey Guyton
• Shaggy
• Gavin DeGraw
• Lainey Wilson
• Lil Jon
• Luísa Sonza

Maximizing Your 2025 Macy's Parade Streaming Experience

To ensure a flawless viewing experience, especially if you are relying on a macys parade free stream or a new service like Peacock Multiview, a few preparation steps are essential.

Check Your Internet Speed

A high-definition live stream, particularly a multiview feed, requires a stable internet connection. Test your speed a day before Thanksgiving. A minimum of 5-10 Mbps is recommended for a smooth HD stream, but more is always better for a shared family connection. Buffering is the fastest way to ruin the parade experience.

Set Up Your Peacock Account Early

Since Peacock is the official streaming partner and offers the exclusive multiview feature, setting up your account and testing the stream a day or two in advance is crucial. Waiting until 8:25 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning to sign up or troubleshoot login issues is a recipe for disaster. Confirm your subscription and make sure the NBC feed loads correctly.

Consider Your Time Zone

The parade starts at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, which is a major convenience for viewers across the country. However, the East Coast is where the parade is physically taking place. The broadcast will run until noon ET. If you are on the West Coast, your viewing window will be 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. PT, so set your alarms accordingly to catch the full live stream.

The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a spectacular start to the holiday season. With the official broadcast on NBC and the innovative new multiview stream on Peacock, you have multiple reliable options to catch the action. By following this guide, you can ensure you won't miss a moment of the giant character balloons, the star-studded musical performances, or the iconic moment Santa Claus arrives to usher in the Christmas season.