The Ultimate Guide: 7 Ways To Live Stream The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an iconic American tradition, and for 2025, watching the spectacle is easier and more flexible than ever before. This year, the parade promises to be one of the most star-studded events in its history, featuring new balloons, dazzling floats, and a massive lineup of A-list musical talent. Whether you're cutting the turkey, traveling, or just relaxing at home, we have the complete, up-to-date guide on every official way to catch the entire three-hour broadcast live on Thursday, November 27, 2025, starting at 8:30 AM ET.

The 99th annual parade is set to deliver an unforgettable morning of entertainment, and thanks to modern streaming technology, you can enjoy every second—from the giant character balloons to the Broadway performances—on any device. The official broadcast network, NBC, along with its streaming partner, Peacock, are the primary sources for the live event, offering both traditional viewing and new digital-first features.

The Official 2025 Broadcast and Streaming Channels

The 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will officially kick off on Thursday, November 27, starting at 8:30 AM ET, and running until 12:00 PM ET. The coverage is presented by the NBC network, which has been the official broadcaster for decades. Here are the guaranteed ways to watch the live stream.

1. Peacock: The Official Streaming Home (Featuring Multiview)

For 2025, the most dynamic way to live stream the parade is through Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform. This platform is the official streaming home and offers a high-definition, commercial-break-free experience for subscribers. The most exciting new feature is the introduction of a multiview mode.

  • Platform: Peacock (Subscription Required)
  • Key Feature: Multiview mode allows users to watch the main parade feed alongside alternative camera angles, focusing on specific floats, performances, or behind-the-scenes action.
  • Availability: The Peacock app is available on virtually all smart TVs, streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV), gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

2. NBC Television Network

The traditional method remains the most reliable. The live broadcast will air on the NBC television network across all US time zones, starting at 8:30 AM ET. If you have a traditional cable or satellite package, simply tune into your local NBC affiliate.

3. NBC.com and NBC App

For those who have a cable or satellite subscription but are away from their TV, the official NBC website and the NBC app offer a live stream of the network's broadcast. You will typically need to log in with your TV provider credentials to access the stream.

Alternative Live TV Streaming Services (OTT)

If you have "cut the cord" and rely solely on over-the-top (OTT) streaming services for your live TV, you are still in luck. Any streaming service that includes NBC in its channel lineup will carry the live parade broadcast. These services often offer free trials, which can be a perfect, cost-effective way to watch the parade.

4. Hulu + Live TV

5. YouTube TV

6. FuboTV

7. DirecTV Stream and Sling TV

These four major streaming players all include NBC and will broadcast the event live. Check their current subscription plans for pricing and free trial options ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

The 2025 Parade Lineup: Hosts, Performers, and New Floats

The 99th annual parade is shaping up to be a stunning spectacle, featuring a diverse and impressive cast of hosts, musical guests, and exciting new additions to the balloon and float roster. This year’s lineup ensures the event is a must-watch for all ages, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Official Hosts and On-Air Talent

The broadcast will be helmed by the familiar and beloved faces of the *Today* show. The official hosts for the 2025 parade are confirmed to be Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker. They will be joined by a former *Today* show co-host to provide commentary, interviews, and historical context throughout the three-hour event, guiding viewers through the entire 2.5-mile route.

Star-Studded Musical Performances

A central draw of the Macy's Parade is the incredible roster of musical and theatrical talent performing live from the floats. The 2025 lineup is exceptionally strong, featuring a wide range of genres and major names. The confirmed performers, who will be singing on various floats, include a mix of country, R&B, pop, and hip-hop stars:

  • Lainey Wilson: The country music star will bring her chart-topping hits to the parade.
  • Cynthia Erivo: The Tony and Grammy Award-winner, known for her role in *Wicked*, will deliver a powerful performance.
  • Busta Rhymes: The legendary rapper is confirmed to perform on a float, specifically the World of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Chocolate Factory.
  • Ciara, Lil Jon, and Teyana Taylor: These R&B and hip-hop icons are set to deliver high-energy performances.
  • Calum Scott and Christopher Jackson: Other notable artists rounding out the extensive musical lineup.

New Balloons and Floats to Watch For

Each year, Macy’s introduces new giant character balloons and elaborate floats, adding fresh excitement to the procession. For 2025, two major new additions have been announced that are generating significant buzz:

  • Pop Mart's Labubu: This popular art toy character will make its debut as a giant balloon, appealing to a massive global fanbase.
  • Stranger Things Float: A new float based on the hugely successful Netflix series *Stranger Things* will be joining the parade, likely featuring iconic elements from the show.

These new entities will join classic favorites like Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the iconic Santa Claus float, which traditionally concludes the parade and officially ushers in the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Live Stream

What time does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

The parade officially begins at 8:30 AM Eastern Time (ET) on Thursday, November 27, 2025. It runs for three hours, concluding at 12:00 PM ET.

Can I watch the parade for free online?

Watching the parade for free online is possible if you utilize a free trial from one of the live TV streaming services (like YouTube TV or FuboTV) that carries NBC. Otherwise, you will need a subscription to Peacock or a valid cable/satellite login for the NBC app.

Is the parade live stream available internationally?

The official NBC and Peacock streams are primarily licensed for the United States. International viewers may need to check local broadcast agreements or utilize a VPN service to access the US-based streams, though this can be unreliable. Check your local TV listings for international broadcast partners.

Will there be a replay of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Yes. The full parade broadcast is typically made available for on-demand viewing on the Peacock streaming service shortly after the live event concludes. NBC may also air an encore presentation later in the day or over the weekend.

The Ultimate Guide: 7 Ways to Live Stream the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
live stream the macy day parade
live stream the macy day parade

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