The Ultimate Guide To Watching The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: TV, Streaming, And New Balloons Revealed

Thanksgiving morning in 2025 will once again kick off with the spectacle of the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a cherished American tradition that has captivated millions for nearly a century. This year's event promises a fresh lineup of giant character balloons, incredible floats, and world-class performers, making it a must-watch event for families across the nation and the globe. The key to enjoying the parade is knowing exactly when and how to tune in, especially with the latest broadcast and streaming options available.

The 2025 parade is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in New York City. The live broadcast begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and runs until 12:00 p.m. ET, ensuring viewers get to see the full 2.5-mile route from start to finish, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus at Macy’s Herald Square. Whether you plan to watch on traditional television, stream from a mobile device, or attend the event in person, we have the complete, up-to-date guide to ensure you don't miss a moment.

All Your Viewing Options: TV Broadcast and Live Streaming (US & International)

The official broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tightly controlled event, but modern technology offers more ways than ever to watch the spectacle, even if you’ve cut the cord on cable. Here is a breakdown of every way to tune in to the 2025 parade.

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Traditional TV and Cable Broadcast

For decades, the parade has been synonymous with one network, and the tradition continues in 2025. The official, live, and exclusive national broadcast will air on NBC. The coverage runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET in all time zones, meaning West Coast viewers will see a tape-delayed version of the final two hours, while East Coast viewers enjoy the entire event live.

• Channel: NBC
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
• Hosts: The familiar faces of the Today Show—Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker—will return to host the broadcast, providing commentary and interviews throughout the morning.

The Best Streaming Options (With and Without Cable)

If you prefer to stream or don't have a traditional cable subscription, the 2025 parade is easy to access through NBCUniversal’s streaming platform.

• Peacock: The most direct streaming option is Peacock, which will carry the entire NBC broadcast live. This is the official, high-quality streaming alternative for those who don't have a TV antenna or cable. You will need a Peacock subscription to access the live stream.
• Live TV Streaming Services: If you subscribe to a live TV streaming bundle that includes your local NBC affiliate, you can watch the parade just as you would with cable. Popular services that carry NBC include:
  • Hulu + Live TV
  • Fubo
  • Sling TV (in select markets)
  • YouTube TV

International Viewing and VPNs

For viewers outside of the United States, watching the parade live can be a challenge due to regional broadcast restrictions. While many international channels secure rights to broadcast the parade, the most reliable method for global fans is often to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By connecting to a VPN server in the US, you can access the Peacock or live TV streaming services as if you were located stateside.

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The 2025 Parade Lineup: New Balloons, Floats, and Star Performers

The 99th annual parade is set to be one of the biggest yet, featuring a massive collection of 34 giant character balloons, 27 spectacular floats, three "balloonicles," and dozens of specialty units and clown groups. The newest additions are always the biggest draw, adding fresh topical authority to the historic event.

Must-See New Giant Character Balloons

The 2025 lineup introduces several exciting new character balloons and floats that will be making their debut flight over Manhattan. These new additions are a testament to the parade's ability to stay current with pop culture and beloved franchises. Key new entries include:

• Buzz Lightyear: The iconic Space Ranger from Pixar’s Toy Story franchise is set to soar high above the crowds.
• Derpy Tiger: A character from the popular animated series KPop Demon Hunters, adding a unique, modern pop culture element.
• Mario: The legendary Nintendo plumber returns in a new, massive form, delighting video game fans.
• PAC-MAN: Another video game icon, the yellow chomping character will join the ranks of giant balloons.
• Shrek's Onion Carriage: A new entry from the DreamWorks universe, featuring the beloved ogre.

These new balloons will join classic favorites that parade fans look forward to every year, such as Beagle Scout Snoopy, Bluey, and the iconic Macy's Stars.

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Featured Musical and Broadway Performers

The parade is not just about the balloons; it’s also a showcase for top-tier musical talent, Broadway productions, and high school marching bands. The 2025 performer lineup is stacked with entities from various genres, ensuring there is something for every viewer. Confirmed musical guests include:

• Cynthia Erivo (star of Wicked: For Good)
• Kool & the Gang
• Jewel
• Foreigner
• Debbie Gibson
• Mickey Guyton
• Ciara
• Shaggy
• Gavin DeGraw

In addition to these headliners, the parade will feature performances from various Broadway casts and an impressive selection of the nation's best marching bands, including the Northern Arizona University Lumberjack Marching Band.

Attending In-Person: The Parade Route and Balloon Inflation Event

For those making the trip to New York City, experiencing the parade live is an unforgettable experience. However, a little planning is essential to secure a good viewing spot, especially for the pre-parade events.

The Official Parade Route

The 2.5-mile route remains largely the same, offering several public viewing areas. The parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. ET at West 77th Street and Central Park West.

Key Viewing Areas:

• Central Park West: Public viewing is available on the west side of Central Park West, starting at West 75th Street. This is the earliest part of the route, so arrive extremely early for a spot.
• Columbus Circle: The parade turns onto Columbus Circle and then heads east along Central Park South (West 59th Street).
• Sixth Avenue: The parade’s longest stretch runs down Sixth Avenue from Central Park South to West 38th Street. This offers the most viewing capacity, but spots fill up quickly.
• Macy's Herald Square: The parade officially ends here, but this area is reserved for the national television broadcast and is not available for public viewing.

The Must-See Balloon Inflation Celebration

A unique and highly recommended pre-parade event is the giant balloon inflation, offering a rare, up-close look at the characters before they take flight. This event is a massive draw and is open to the public on the day before Thanksgiving.

• Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
• Location: The area surrounding the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side.
• Time: Public viewing typically runs from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
• Logistics: Entry is typically controlled, and guests are directed to exit the area near West 81st Street and Central Park West. Be prepared for large crowds and long lines, but the chance to see the Buzz Lightyear and Mario balloons up close is well worth the wait.

Whether you’re huddled around the TV, streaming on Peacock, or braving the New York City crowds, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to be a spectacular kickoff to the holiday season. Make sure your viewing plan is set for Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET.