The Ultimate Guide: 5 Best Ways To Watch The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Live Stream (Plus New Multiview Option)
2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Core Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade remains one of the most-watched holiday events globally, and the 2025 broadcast continues its long-standing partnership with NBCUniversal. Knowing where to tune in is the first step to enjoying this cherished American holiday tradition.Official 2025 Parade Profile
- Event: 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
- Official US Broadcast Channel: NBC
- Official US Streaming Home: Peacock
- Spanish-Language Broadcast: Telemundo
- Parade Route: Starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West, proceeds down Central Park West, turns onto Sixth Avenue, and concludes at Macy’s Herald Square.
- Confirmed Performers/Entities: Cynthia Erivo, Kool & the Gang, Jewel, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Ciara, Shaggy, Gavin DeGraw, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, Lil Jon, and Broadway stars.
- Featured Giant Balloons: Buzz Lightyear, Derpy Tiger from K-Pop Demon Hunters, Mario, Pac-Man, Shrek's Onion Carriage, Beagle Scout Snoopy, and Bluey.
The 5 Best Ways to Watch the 2025 Parade Live
The viewing landscape has evolved well beyond basic cable. Here are the top five methods to catch the 2025 parade, catering to every type of viewer.1. Peacock Streaming Service (The Best Choice for Features)
For the second year, the parade's primary streaming home is Peacock, NBCUniversal's dedicated platform. This is arguably the best option for modern viewers due to its exclusive features.
- Multiview Mode: In a first for the parade, Peacock will offer a multiview mode, allowing viewers to watch the main broadcast while simultaneously seeing alternative camera angles, behind-the-scenes content, or specific float/performer close-ups. This provides a fresh, dynamic way to experience the event.
- On-Demand: Peacock is the easiest way to watch the parade on-demand after the live broadcast has finished, perfect for those who miss the morning show.
- Accessibility: Available on the Peacock app across smart TVs, phones, tablets, and web browsers.
2. NBC Television Broadcast (The Traditional Method)
The classic way to watch remains the NBC network. If you have a traditional cable subscription or can access a local NBC affiliate, this is a reliable, high-definition option. The broadcast is available in all time zones from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.
3. Live TV Streaming Services (The Cord-Cutter’s Cable)
If you've cut the cord but still want the live, linear TV experience, several popular Live TV streaming services carry the NBC channel. These services often offer free trials, which can be an excellent way to watch the parade for free (or nearly free) if you time it right.
- Hulu + Live TV: A comprehensive option that includes NBC.
- YouTube TV: A popular choice with a wide range of channels, including the official broadcast.
- FuboTV: Known for its sports coverage, FuboTV also includes NBC for the parade.
- Sling TV: A more budget-friendly option, depending on your local market and chosen package.
- DirecTV Stream: Another all-in-one package that carries the local NBC affiliate.
4. Telemundo (Spanish-Language Broadcast)
For Spanish-speaking audiences, the parade is broadcast live on Telemundo. This is an official NBCUniversal channel and provides a high-quality, dedicated Spanish-language production of the event.
5. Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna (The Free Option)
In many areas, the local NBC affiliate broadcasts its signal over the air. By using a simple, one-time purchase of a digital antenna, you can pick up the free, local signal in high-definition. This is the only truly free live stream method, provided you are within range of a broadcast tower. This method requires no cable subscription or streaming service fee.
The 2025 Parade Lineup: What to Look For
To maximize your viewing experience, it helps to know what to keep an eye out for. The 99th Annual Parade is pulling out all the stops with a mix of new balloons, iconic characters, and major musical acts.The Giant Character Balloons
The parade's signature attraction, the giant character balloons, will feature several exciting new additions for 2025.
- Buzz Lightyear: The iconic Space Ranger from the Disney-Pixar universe.
- Mario: Nintendo’s beloved plumber makes a grand appearance.
- Pac-Man: The classic arcade hero, a nostalgic treat for many viewers.
- Derpy Tiger: A new character from the popular *K-Pop Demon Hunters* series.
- Shrek's Onion Carriage: A unique, massive float-balloon hybrid.
- Returning Favorites: Expect to see classics like Beagle Scout Snoopy, Bluey, and the massive Tom Turkey float.
Must-See Musical Performances
Musical performances are a major draw, typically featuring a mix of pop, country, and Broadway stars. The 2025 lineup is particularly strong, ensuring a vibrant soundtrack to your Thanksgiving morning.
Scheduled performers include the incredible vocal talents of Cynthia Erivo, the funk and soul of Kool & the Gang, folk-pop legend Jewel, rock veterans Foreigner, and pop icon Debbie Gibson. Country music star Mickey Guyton and R&B singers Ciara and Shaggy are also slated to perform, alongside singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw. These performances usually take place on floats as they make their way down the 2.5-mile route.
Advanced Tips for International and On-the-Go Viewing
Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a global event, and modern technology makes it possible to enjoy the holiday spectacle from anywhere in the world.How to Watch Outside the United States (International Viewers)
The official broadcast rights are held by NBC and Peacock in the United States. International viewers often have a few options:
- Local Channels: Check if a major network in your country (such as a Canadian or UK broadcaster) has acquired the syndication rights for the parade.
- VPN Service: Many international viewers use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access a US-based streaming service like Peacock or YouTube TV. This allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and tune into the live stream, though a subscription to the streaming service is still required.
Viewing the Balloon Inflation (A Pre-Parade Event)
For a unique, behind-the-scenes experience, consider watching the Balloon Inflation the day before Thanksgiving, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. While this is a live, in-person event near the American Museum of Natural History in New York, major news outlets often provide live coverage and webcams of the massive balloons being brought to life. Search for "Macy's Balloon Inflation live stream" on the Wednesday afternoon before the parade for this fascinating pre-show event.
Whether you choose the high-tech multiview on Peacock, the reliability of NBC, or the freedom of an over-the-air antenna, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a spectacular start to your holiday. Prepare your hot cocoa, gather your family, and get ready to witness the magic of New York City’s grandest holiday tradition.
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