The Ultimate Guide To Watching The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: 7 Ways To Stream Live In 2025
The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade remains the undisputed kickoff to the holiday season in the United States, and the 2025 edition promises to be one of the biggest spectacles in its nearly century-long history. This year marks the 99th annual parade, bringing a fresh lineup of giant character balloons, elaborate floats, and A-list musical performances to the streets of New York City.
For those not lining up along the 2.5-mile route from Central Park West to Herald Square, the question is simple: where can you watch the parade live and on-demand? As of Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, your viewing options are more diverse than ever, catering to traditional cable viewers, savvy cord-cutters, and international fans looking for the freshest broadcast details.
The Official Broadcast and Streaming Lineup for the 99th Parade
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will officially begin at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and run until 12:00 p.m. ET, broadcasting live across all time zones. The event is exclusive to the NBCUniversal family of networks and streaming platforms, meaning you have two primary, guaranteed ways to tune in.
Parade Schedule & Key Details:
- Event: 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Start Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
- End Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Route: West 77th Street to Herald Square (West 34th Street)
1. The Traditional Home: NBC Television Network
The most straightforward way to watch the parade is by tuning in to your local NBC affiliate channel. NBC has been the official broadcaster for decades, providing the high-quality, multi-camera coverage that viewers expect. The broadcast will feature the iconic commentary team, including *Today* show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker, who provide historical context and behind-the-scenes insights throughout the morning.
2. The Essential Streaming Option: Peacock
For cord-cutters and anyone seeking the most convenient digital access, Peacock is the official streaming home of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Cost-Effective: Peacock offers a relatively low-cost subscription, making it the most budget-friendly dedicated streaming option for the parade.
- Live and On-Demand: Subscribers can watch the entire parade live starting at 8:30 a.m. ET. The full event is also typically available to stream on-demand shortly after the live broadcast concludes.
- New Multiview Feature: For the 2025 parade, Peacock is expected to offer a special Multiview option, allowing viewers to watch the traditional broadcast alongside a separate feed focused on the musical performances or the giant character balloons.
5 Streaming Services for Cord-Cutters to Watch NBC Live
If you have already cut the cord but subscribe to a live TV streaming bundle, you are likely already set. Since NBC is a major network, it is carried by nearly all of the top Live TV streaming services. These services are ideal for viewers who want to watch the parade live without a traditional cable subscription.
3. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV includes your local NBC channel in its comprehensive package. This is a great choice if you also want access to a vast on-demand library and other major network channels.
4. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a popular choice among cord-cutters for its clean interface and unlimited DVR feature. It includes NBC, ensuring you can watch the parade live from your smart TV, phone, or tablet.
5. FuboTV
FuboTV, which started as a sports-focused service, has expanded to carry all major networks, including NBC. This is a solid option for those who want a wide variety of channels beyond the parade.
6. Sling TV
Sling TV offers a more a la carte approach to streaming. Depending on your location and the package you choose (Sling Blue), you may have access to your local NBC channel. Be sure to check your local channel availability before subscribing.
7. DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is another premium live TV service that carries NBC and is a reliable way to ensure you get the live broadcast of the parade.
The Enchantment of the 99th Parade: Balloons, Floats, and Performers
The 2025 parade is set to feature 34 giant character balloons and 28 intricate floats, showcasing a mix of beloved classics and exciting new additions.
The Newest Giant Character Balloons and Floats
The parade’s signature giant balloons are always the main draw, and this year’s lineup introduces several highly anticipated characters. Fans can look forward to seeing the debut of the new Buzz Lightyear balloon, alongside other fresh faces like the Derpy Tiger from the animated series *KPop Demon Hunters*.
Returning fan favorites will also soar above the Manhattan skyline, including classics like Beagle Scout Snoopy, Bluey, and a massive Spider-Man balloon. Other featured balloons include Mario, PAC-MAN, and Shrek's Onion Carriage, demonstrating the parade's commitment to pop culture and beloved franchises.
The 28 floats will also be a major spectacle, providing stages for the musical guests. One notable float is the World of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Chocolate Factory.
A-List Musical and Theatrical Performances (Entities)
The floats will host an impressive roster of performers. The 2025 lineup includes country star Lainey Wilson and *Wicked* star Cynthia Erivo. Other confirmed musical entities include Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, and Christopher Jackson. The parade also traditionally features performances from current Broadway shows, adding a theatrical flair to the morning's festivities.
Beyond the Main Event: Encore Telecast and Balloon Inflation
Your Thanksgiving Day viewing doesn't have to end at noon. For those who missed the live broadcast, or simply want to relive the magic of the parade, NBC will air a full encore telecast in the afternoon. This replay is typically scheduled to begin around 2:00 p.m. ET.
For a unique, pre-parade experience, consider the annual Balloon Inflation Celebration. This event takes place the day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, November 26) near the American Museum of Natural History, offering a rare, up-close look at the massive balloons as they are brought to life. While this event is in-person, local news channels often cover the spectacle, providing an exciting preview of the next day's event.
Watching the Parade From Outside the U.S. (International Viewers)
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a global tradition, but official live broadcast options outside of the U.S. are often limited. The primary broadcasters, NBC and Peacock, are geo-restricted to the United States.
For viewers in countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia, the parade often goes unaired on local channels. To access the live stream on Peacock or the NBC website, many international viewers rely on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. A reliable VPN allows you to connect to a U.S.-based server, granting access to the U.S. streaming services. While this is a common workaround, it is not an official Macy's or NBC recommendation. Always verify the terms of service for any streaming platform when using a VPN.
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