The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 5 Ways To Watch The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live (Plus New Balloons!)
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade remains the undisputed centerpiece of the American holiday season, and for the 99th Annual event in 2025, viewers have more options than ever to catch the action. This year's spectacle promises a fresh lineup of giant character balloons, dazzling floats, Broadway performances, and celebrity musical acts, all marching through the streets of New York City on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Whether you're cutting the turkey, prepping your stuffing, or just settling in for a cozy morning, knowing exactly where to tune in is essential to start your holiday right.
The highly anticipated 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will officially kick off at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and run until 12:00 p.m. ET, providing three and a half hours of non-stop entertainment. To ensure you don't miss the iconic opening number or the arrival of Santa Claus, we've broken down every official and alternative way to watch the parade, covering everything from traditional television to the latest streaming platforms.
The Official Broadcast: TV, Streaming, and Bilingual Options
For nearly a century, the parade has been synonymous with a single network, and that tradition continues in 2025 with a major push into the digital streaming landscape. The broadcast is carefully curated to bring the best views of the giant helium balloons, marching bands, and celebrity appearances directly to your living room.
1. NBC: The Traditional Home for Live Coverage
The primary and longest-running home for the parade is the NBC network. If you have a traditional cable TV subscription or use an over-the-air antenna, tuning into your local NBC affiliate is the most straightforward way to watch the entire event. The NBC broadcast is renowned for its professional production, close-up celebrity interviews, and expert commentary from the official hosts.
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in all time zones.
- Bonus: An encore broadcast will air on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT for those who missed the live show.
2. Peacock: The Official Streaming Platform
If you've cut the cord, the official and most reliable streaming option is NBC's own platform, Peacock. The entire live broadcast of the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be streamed live for Peacock subscribers. This is the best choice for viewers who rely on smart TVs, tablets, or mobile devices for their holiday viewing.
- Access: Requires a paid Peacock subscription.
- Feature: Peacock is often the only way to get the "official" NBC broadcast without a cable login.
3. Alternative Live TV Streaming Services
Modern cord-cutters can access the NBC live feed through various streaming bundles that include local channels. These services are an excellent option for watching the parade live on your preferred device.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes local NBC channels in most markets.
- Fubo: A popular choice for live sports and local network channels, including NBC.
- Sling TV: Offers packages that include local NBC affiliates, depending on your location.
- YouTube TV: Another comprehensive live TV package that typically carries NBC.
4. Telemundo: The Spanish-Language Broadcast
For viewers who prefer a Spanish-language broadcast, the parade will be simultaneously aired live on Telemundo. Telemundo provides a unique perspective and broadcast team, ensuring that the spectacle is accessible to a wider audience.
Meet the Hosts and See the Newest Parade Stars
Topical authority for this year's parade hinges on knowing who is hosting and, more importantly, which new features will debut. The 2025 lineup is packed with fresh entertainment and must-see giant character balloons.
The Official NBC Broadcast Team
Returning to guide viewers through the massive parade route are the familiar faces of NBC's Today show. The official hosts for the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade are confirmed to be Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker. Their banter, weather updates, and live interviews with the performers and celebrities are a signature part of the viewing experience.
A Sneak Peek at the Performers and Floats
The 2025 parade will feature a stunning 34 balloons, 28 floats, and countless musical and dance performances. The lineup of celebrity performers is always a highlight, with confirmed acts including:
- Musical Guests: Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, and more.
- Broadway Star: The critically acclaimed Cynthia Erivo, star of Wicked: For Good, is scheduled to perform.
The star attractions are always the giant character balloons and intricate floats. This year will introduce several exciting new additions and beloved returning favorites:
- New Giant Balloon: Look out for the debut of the "KPop Demon Hunters" balloon, a sign of the parade's commitment to modern pop culture.
- New Float: The LABUBU float is also set to make its inaugural appearance, adding an element of contemporary art and design to the procession.
- Returning Favorites: Classic and popular character balloons like Mario, Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, and Shrek's Onion Carriage are confirmed to return.
- Notable Floats: Keep an eye out for the 1-2-3 Sesame Street, the Big Turkey Spectacular, Birds of a Feather Stream Together, and the Brick-tastic Winter floats.
Bonus Viewing Tip: The Balloon Inflation Ceremony
For those who want to experience the magic of the parade before it begins, the annual Balloon Inflation Ceremony is a must-see event and a popular LSI entity for the parade. This is where the colossal balloons are brought to life the day before Thanksgiving.
The 2025 Balloon Inflation Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. It is a free, publicly accessible event held in the afternoon and early evening, typically near the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Watching these massive characters slowly inflate and take shape is a unique and unforgettable pre-Thanksgiving tradition.
Final Thoughts on Your 2025 Parade Viewing
Whether you choose the traditional NBC broadcast, the flexible streaming power of Peacock, or the bilingual option on Telemundo, the 99th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 2025, is set to be a spectacular event. From the new KPop Demon Hunters balloon to the familiar voices of Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie, your holiday morning viewing is completely covered. Set your alarms for 8:30 a.m. ET, grab your coffee, and prepare for the world's greatest holiday parade.
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