What Channel Is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade On

What channel is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on is the top question millions of Americans search as Thanksgiving approaches, and the answer for 2025 remains straightforward. The iconic holiday event will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed simultaneously on Peacock, giving viewers nationwide full access to the entire celebration beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 27, 2025. These platforms remain the home of the parade’s official coverage, shaping how families across the country tune in from living rooms, kitchens, and holiday gatherings.

The parade’s broadcast is one of the most anticipated parts of Thanksgiving morning. It draws viewers of all ages, from children excited for balloon characters to adults enjoying musical performances, celebrity appearances, and the traditional arrival of Santa Claus. For those planning their holiday schedule, knowing which channel to turn to ensures a smooth and festive start to the day.

NBC: The Nationwide Broadcast Home

NBC continues its long-standing partnership as the parade’s exclusive television broadcaster. This relationship spans decades, making NBC synonymous with the event itself. The network’s coverage begins at 8:30 a.m. ET and rolls out across all U.S. time zones, adjusting naturally to local broadcast schedules.

Viewers with cable, satellite, or a simple digital antenna can tune into their local NBC affiliate without needing additional services. NBC’s broad reach allows nearly every American household to access the broadcast, ensuring families from coast to coast can share the same holiday tradition.

NBC’s production includes:

• On-site hosts stationed along the parade route
• Behind-the-scenes preparation and commentary
• Professional coverage of floats, balloons, and marching bands
• Performances from Broadway shows and musical guests
• Festive camera angles highlighting crowd reaction and parade scale

The combination of live reporting, entertainment segments, and holiday spirit helps NBC deliver a polished, engaging broadcast year after year.

Peacock: The Streaming Hub for Holiday Morning

Peacock serves as the streaming partner for the parade, making it the go-to option for viewers who prefer watching on devices rather than traditional television. The streaming platform offers the complete NBC broadcast, allowing users to watch the parade live from their smartphones, laptops, tablets, or smart TVs.

For many households, streaming has become the preferred viewing method, especially for younger viewers and families with flexible holiday routines. Peacock’s stream begins at the same time as the NBC telecast—8:30 a.m. ET—and includes full access to all segments, performances, and hosts.

Peacock also typically allows viewers to rewatch segments later in the day, making it easy to revisit favorite floats or catch anything missed while preparing Thanksgiving meals.

Live-TV Streaming Services That Carry NBC

Americans without cable or access to local broadcast channels can still watch the parade through live-TV streaming platforms. Many major streaming services offer NBC affiliates in numerous markets, allowing subscribers to watch the broadcast just like traditional television.

NBC-carrying live-TV platforms in many regions include:

• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• Fubo
• DirecTV Stream
• Sling TV (select markets)

Availability varies by zip code, so viewers should confirm their local channel lineup in advance. These platforms are especially helpful for travelers spending Thanksgiving away from home, as accounts can be accessed from anywhere within the United States.

Start Times Across U.S. Time Zones

Regardless of location, viewers can count on the parade airing during the morning hours. The official live broadcast schedule breaks down as follows:

Peacock streams according to the Eastern start time, but viewers can join live from any time zone. This flexibility makes it easy for early risers—and even earlier risers on the West Coast—to enjoy the beginning of the show.

What Viewers Can Expect on NBC and Peacock

The televised parade traditionally follows a consistent format, blending live street coverage with staged performances. Each hour brings something new for viewers, helping families stay engaged throughout the morning.

Here are major elements included in the 2025 broadcast:

Giant Character Balloons

The larger-than-life balloons floating above Manhattan remain one of the biggest draws. Crews guide balloon favorites through the streets, creating some of the most photographed and memorable moments of the day.

Elaborate Floats

Dozens of themed floats glide along the route, featuring performers, costumed characters, and holiday designs. Many floats include musical or theatrical elements filmed by NBC cameras.

Marching Bands From Across the Country

High school and college marching bands participate each year, showcasing months of preparation. NBC dedicates time to feature each band, giving parents and relatives nationwide a chance to cheer them on.

Broadway and Musical Performances

Fans of theater and music enjoy special performances from Broadway casts, pop artists, and holiday choirs. NBC captures these staged segments from Herald Square, offering viewers a polished experience.

Celebrity Appearances

Actors, singers, athletes, and public figures make appearances atop floats or during interviews, adding variety to the coverage.

Santa Claus Finale

The parade’s final moment—Santa Claus arriving in his sleigh—marks an annual signal that the holiday season has officially begun. NBC emphasizes this moment with festive visuals and commentary.

Why NBC Remains the Premier Channel for the Parade

NBC maintains its reputation as the exclusive home of the parade due to decades of consistent, high-quality production. The network collaborates closely with parade organizers to manage camera placement, route logistics, and performance timing. This partnership ensures viewers get a polished broadcast with clear audio, steady visuals, and smooth transitions between segments.

Several factors keep NBC in this role:

• National reach: NBC’s local affiliate network spans nearly every major U.S. market.
• Production expertise: The parade requires complex coordination, something NBC has mastered.
• Long-standing tradition: Generations of viewers associate Thanksgiving morning with turning on NBC.
• Dual broadcast and streaming access: With Peacock, NBC reaches both traditional and digital audiences.

These strengths make NBC the natural destination for parade day.

How Peacock Complements the Broadcast

While NBC handles the television side, Peacock has become crucial for the digital audience. Holiday mornings are busy, and many viewers appreciate the ability to watch from their phones while preparing meals or traveling.

Peacock enhances the experience through:

• Flexible viewing on multiple devices
• Access for cord-cutters
• Potential replay options later in the day
• Seamless transition between mobile and TV apps

For younger viewers who consume most content through streaming, Peacock has made the parade more accessible and convenient.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Missing the Start

With Thanksgiving morning typically filled with cooking, family gatherings, and early planning, it’s easy to lose track of time. Here are simple tips to ensure a smooth viewing experience:

• Turn the TV to NBC at least five minutes before the start time.
• If streaming, test your Peacock login the day before.
• Confirm your internet connection so streaming remains stable.
• Set an alarm for your local start time if your household wakes up later.
• Double-check local listings on live-TV apps for NBC’s placement.
• Keep your remote handy to switch between devices if needed.

These quick steps help ensure no one misses the parade’s opening performances or balloon reveals.

Encore Broadcast Later in the Day

NBC usually airs an encore presentation of the parade during the afternoon. While this replay time can vary by location, most regions broadcast it sometime between mid-afternoon and early evening. The encore is helpful for viewers who slept in, were busy preparing Thanksgiving dishes, or simply want to enjoy the festivities twice in one day.

Families often revisit favorite moments—especially musical numbers, special appearances, or scenes that younger children may have missed the first time.

What Makes the Parade Such a Thanksgiving Tradition

The parade is more than a broadcast—it’s a cultural moment that marks the beginning of the holiday season. For many families, Thanksgiving morning isn’t complete without the sounds and sights of the parade playing in the background.

Several reasons contribute to its enduring popularity:

• It appeals to all ages.
• The mix of music, visuals, and performances creates universal enjoyment.
• It blends nostalgia with new surprises each year.
• The event connects viewers across the nation at the same moment.

Having a reliable answer to what channel is the macy’s thanksgiving day parade on helps maintain that sense of tradition and connection.

Final Thoughts

Between NBC’s nationwide broadcast and Peacock’s accessible streaming, viewers have clear and reliable ways to watch the entire Thanksgiving spectacle live. The parade remains one of the most joyful parts of the holiday, and knowing exactly where to tune in helps households start their morning with excitement, tradition, and celebration.

Share your thoughts below — Which balloon, float, or performance are you most looking forward to this Thanksgiving?