Watching and Streaming the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Guide
New York really comes alive during the holiday season with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. With its 100th anniversary just around the corner, this year’s parade will showcase 17 giant character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups, and a lineup of stars too long to list.
The parade route starts on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street. This location serves as a stage and backdrop for exciting performances.
Here are some important details about the parade and how you can watch it:
What Time Does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Start?
For the second consecutive year, the parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on November 28, in all time zones.
What Channel Is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade On?
You can catch the parade on NBC, whether you have an antenna or access through cable and satellite providers.
What if I Want to Stream It?
For those who prefer streaming, the parade will also be simulcast on Peacock with an encore telecast starting at 2 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, there will be a Spanish language simulcast on Telemundo.
What’s the Weather Going to Be Like?
The weather forecast predicts temperatures in the upper 40s with clouds and winds around 10 mph. Regulations in New York City prevent Macy’s from flying the full-size balloons if winds exceed 23 mph or gusts reach over 35 mph.
Who Are Some of the Stars Performing?
This year’s lineup includes celebrities like Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Ariana Madix, Idina Menzel, T-Pain, members of the New York Liberty, Dan + Shay, The War and Treaty, Lea Salonga, Loud Luxury, The Temptations, Chlöe, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, and Coco Jones. The parade will be kicked off by Alison Brie from “Glow.”
Who Is Hosting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The parade will be hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker from “Today.” This year’s broadcast may be emotional as it could be Hoda Kotb’s last appearance before leaving “Today” on January 10.
What Are the New Balloons?
Six new featured character balloons include Minnie Mouse, Noorah with The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Goku from ”Dragon Ball,“ Marshall from ”Paw Patrol,” and a new “Spider-Man.”
What About New Floats?
New floats from Disney Cruise Line, Haribo, Netflix’s “Wednesday,” Universal Orlando Resorts, BBC Studios’ “Bluey,” and more will be featured in this year’s parade.
Is Your State Represented by Any of the Bands?
Marching bands from various states including Massachusetts, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, South Dakota, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia, and New York will also be part of the parade.
By Mark Kennedy
