How to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Online (2025)

Humankind has honored and revered beings in the sky since time immemorial. Replace theology with corporate-sponsored floats, and that tradition continues with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch in awe as giant branded balloons ease us into the holiday (and shopping) season.

Of course, you don’t have to travel all the way to New York City to see the parade in action. You just need to use the right video streaming service.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade has been around for nearly a century, shifting from radio to television broadcasts. The parade is still televised nationally on NBC channels, rain or shine. On November 23, the showcase runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon EST, representing an extra half hour of entertainment than in previous years. If you subscribe to a live TV streaming service, you can visit the NBC channel to watch the parade.

However, live TV streaming services are expensive, as they are meant to replace cable. There’s a much easier way for cord-cutters to watch the show. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will also stream live on NBC’s Peacock service, one of our Editors’ Choice winners for video streaming services. Peacock no longer offers a free tier, but it’s still an affordable option that starts at $5.99 per month.

Regardless of your preferred streaming video option, this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Parade will be packed with fun sights and sounds.

(Credit: Macy's)

Which Balloons Will Appear in the Thanksgiving Parade?

Giant, kaiju-size balloons represent one of the show's main draws. This year, expect to see 25 balloons based on famous characters and autumn icons:

1. Acorn

2. Beagle Scout Snoopy (New)

3. Blue Cat & Chugs (New)

4. Bluey

5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

6. Goku

7. Ice Cream Cone

8. Grogu

9. Kung Fu Panda's Po

10. Leo (New, from an upcoming, eponymous Netflix animated movie starring Adam Sandler)

11. Monkey D. Luffy (New)

12. Opening Macy's Stars

13. Paw Patrol

14. Pikachu & Eevee

15. Pumpkins

16. Red Titan From Ryan's World

17. Ronald McDonald

18. Sinclair Dino

19. Smokey Bear

20. Snow Crystal Ornaments

21. Spongebob Squarepants & Gary

22. Stuart the Minion

23. The Pillsbury Doughboy (New)

24. Tiptoe

25. Uncle Dan (New)

Several balloons will be attached to bicycles, and there will be plenty of clowns (more than 700!). Along with the Christmas floats, Peacock will have its own themed float called “Birds of a Feather Stream Together.”

Which Stars Will Appear in the Thanksgiving Parade?