If you’re searching for what channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on, you’re likely getting ready for a busy Thanksgiving morning filled with cooking, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. Every year, millions of viewers across the United States tune in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, making it one of the most-watched holiday broadcasts. As of today, the complete schedule, channels, start times, and streaming options for the 2025 parade are fully confirmed, giving families a clear guide for how to watch this year’s celebration.
The Thanksgiving Day Parade has evolved into more than just a televised event. It’s a moment that sets the tone for the holiday, marking the unofficial start of the festive season. Even households that aren’t glued to the TV all morning still keep the parade on in the background—bringing music, laughter, giant balloons, and holiday cheer into the home. For others, watching the parade from start to finish is an irreplaceable ritual that bonds generations.
This detailed guide answers every question viewers might have, from channels and times to streaming options and viewing tips, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the 2025 edition.
The Official Channel for the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade
The first and most important detail for holiday viewers is simple: what channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on this year? The official home of the parade for 2025 is NBC. This long-standing broadcast partnership continues its decades-old tradition of bringing the parade to American households on Thanksgiving morning.
NBC will carry the entire parade live across all U.S. regions. Whether you rely on a digital antenna, cable subscription, satellite provider, or streaming service that includes NBC, the broadcast will be accessible nationwide.
NBC has shaped the way Americans watch the parade, offering high-quality coverage, veteran hosts, impressive camera work, and a polished production that captures the scale and excitement of the event. Viewers can expect live commentary, close-up coverage of floats and balloons, exclusive performer interviews, and on-site reporting from Manhattan.
2025 Parade Start Time and Full Broadcast Schedule
Scheduling is important for Thanksgiving morning planning, especially when kitchens get chaotic and families try to multitask. For 2025, the start and end times of the parade follow the updated timing introduced in recent years.
Live Broadcast Start
8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
This updated start time applies across the U.S., with NBC airing the parade at 8:30 a.m. in each time zone. Whether you’re in New York or California, all local NBC stations begin the broadcast at the same local time.
End of Live Coverage
12:00 p.m. Noon
This gives viewers a 3.5-hour broadcast filled with live performances, marching bands, Broadway showcases, massive balloons, and brand-new holiday floats.
Encore Replay
2:00 p.m. Local Time
NBC will rebroadcast the entire parade in the afternoon, making it perfect for:
- Families who missed the morning run
- Hosts cooking during broadcast hours
- Kids who want to see the balloons again
- Viewers who enjoy watching while eating a late Thanksgiving meal
This replay is especially helpful for households where mornings are too rushed to sit and watch.
Streaming Options for the 2025 Parade
In 2025, more viewers watch through streaming than ever before. The parade is now designed to be accessible for people who don’t have cable or traditional TV access. Multiple streaming options ensure that whatever device you use—phone, tablet, smart TV, laptop, or streaming box—you can tune in seamlessly.
1. Peacock
Peacock is the official streaming partner for the parade and will air the broadcast live. This is the most reliable option for people who prefer streaming over cable. Peacock is available on:
- Samsung and LG smart TVs
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Web browsers
A quick login gives you instant access to the parade without delays.
2. Live-TV Streaming Platforms
If you subscribe to a live cable-replacement service, you can watch NBC through:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV (Blue package)
- FuboTV
These services offer the NBC livestream, so coverage will mirror the broadcast on a traditional TV.
3. Spanish-Language Broadcasting
A Spanish-language version of the parade will air on a national network, offering an equivalent broadcast for Spanish-speaking viewers. This version includes custom commentary and translated segments.
4. Digital Antennas
Households using digital antennas can watch NBC for free, making it one of the easiest ways to access the parade without streaming or cable bills.
How Early You Should Tune In
Although the official start time is 8:30 a.m., many households turn on NBC earlier in case pre-parade segments are shown. While there’s no formal pre-show scheduled this year, local NBC stations often air:
- Behind-the-scenes features
- Interviews
- Host introductions
- Morning news updates
For viewers who want to catch every moment, tuning in around 8 a.m. is a safe bet.
What to Expect from the 2025 Parade
The Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition continues to evolve, and the 2025 edition is shaping up to be a standout year. The parade route remains iconic—stretching through Manhattan, lined with cheering crowds and packed with energy from performers and holiday spectators.
Here is what viewers can expect during the broadcast:
New Balloons
Each year introduces new character balloons that become instant favorites. These balloons require teams of handlers and are among the most visually stunning features of the parade. Updated designs and debut characters always generate excitement.
Returning Balloon Classics
Longtime favorites will float through the streets once again, offering nostalgia for older viewers and delighting kids who recognize the characters.
Innovative Floats
Dozens of new and returning floats will appear this year, each designed with intricate artistry, lighting, and thematic storytelling. Many floats highlight holiday themes, children’s entertainment, movies, or brand partnerships.
Broadway Show Performances
Broadway casts typically perform numbers from popular musicals, giving viewers a live taste of New York’s theater scene. These segments are produced specifically for the broadcast audience.
Marching Bands
High school and college marching bands from across the country travel to Manhattan after years of preparation. Each marching band is selected through a competitive process, making this a prestigious highlight for young musicians.
Guest Artists
Popular singers, actors, and entertainers join the parade every year. Expect a blend of emerging stars, chart-topping performers, and surprise appearances.
Cultural Performances
Dance teams, cheer squads, cultural groups, and specialty acts bring diversity and color to the parade.
Santa’s Arrival
The parade traditionally ends with Santa Claus, officially signaling the start of the holiday season. This moment remains a cherished part of the broadcast.
Why Viewers Ask “What Channel Is the Thanksgiving Day Parade On?” Every Year
Even though the parade has a well-known broadcast partner, viewers continue searching for the channel annually. There are several reasons for this:
1. People Change TV Providers
Streaming replaces cable for many households, so viewers want to know where to watch without traditional TV service.
2. Start Times Have Shifted in Recent Years
NBC moved the start time earlier—from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.—and viewers want to confirm the schedule.
3. Regional NBC Affiliates Vary
In some areas, channel numbers differ, so viewers search for clear and current information.
4. Families Want Reassurance for Large Gatherings
With guests arriving and cooking underway, no one wants to miss the beginning of the parade.
5. Multiple Parades Exist
Besides the main NYC parade, smaller local parades air on other networks, causing confusion.
Because of these factors, the question always resurfaces—even among people who watch the parade every single year.
How Families Across America Watch the Parade
The Thanksgiving Day Parade has become part of family tradition for generations. Here’s how many people integrate the broadcast into their holiday morning:
Cooking Companion
Home cooks leave the parade on in the background while preparing turkey, stuffing, pies, and side dishes. The cheerful music and visuals add energy to the kitchen.
Kids’ Entertainment
Children love watching the giant balloons, mascots, and performances. Parents often set up a cozy viewing space so kids can watch while adults work on meal prep.
Family Gathering Ritual
In many homes, everyone wakes up early, grabs breakfast, gathers in the living room, and enjoys the parade together.
Background Soundtrack
Even homes that don’t actively watch still keep the volume on low to bring holiday spirit into the home.
Guests Arrival Timing
Some families invite guests to arrive after the parade ends, creating a natural timeline for the holiday meal.
Tips for the Best Parade Viewing Experience
To make your 2025 parade viewing smooth and enjoyable, consider these simple tips:
Check Your NBC Access Early
Make sure your cable or antenna setup is clear and functional the evening before.
Test Your Streaming Apps
If you’re using Peacock or a streaming service, log in and confirm your account works.
Prepare a Comfortable Viewing Area
Blankets, pillows, and an early cup of coffee make the morning feel extra festive.
Use the Replay
If you’re cooking all morning, the 2:00 p.m. encore is a lifesaver.
Plan Commercial Break Tasks
Use breaks to check the oven, chop ingredients, or greet guests.
Simple Summary for Quick Planning
- Live channel: NBC
- Live start time: 8:30 a.m. local time
- End time: Noon
- Encore replay: 2:00 p.m.
- Streaming: Peacock and live-TV platforms with NBC
- Spanish-language option: Available nationally
If you remember those key details, you’re set for Thanksgiving morning.
FAQ
Q1: What channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on this year?
The parade will air on NBC, with additional access through streaming platforms.
Q2: What time does the parade start in 2025?
The live broadcast begins at 8:30 a.m. local time across all U.S. time zones.
Q3: Can I stream the parade without cable?
Yes. Peacock and several live-TV streaming services will carry the parade.
Disclaimer
This article reflects the latest confirmed parade broadcast information for 2025. Television networks and streaming platforms may adjust schedules, programming, or replay times at their discretion. Viewers should verify local listings if they notice changes in their region.