The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade isn’t just a holiday tradition, it’s an American cultural event watched by over 20 million households each year. For Black families across the country, it marks the true start of the holiday season: kids on the couch in pajamas, the smell of turkey in the kitchen, and the iconic floats rolling down New York City streets.

With Thanksgiving 2025 approaching, millions are already searching: What channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on? Where can I watch it? What time does the parade start? How do I stream it?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the Macy’s parade route to where to watch, how to stream, and what time the 2025 parade begins.

When Is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025?

The parade will take place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025.

This is the same day as Thanksgiving 2025, which many are searching for online as holiday travel and planning begin.

What Time Does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Start?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 start time is:

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)

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No matter how you phrase it, the parade time is always 9 AM Eastern.

If you’re in another time zone:

• 8 AM Central
• 7 AM Mountain
• 6 AM Pacific

What Channel Is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade On?

For 2025, you can watch the parade live on:

NBC (the official broadcast partner)

Peacock (exclusive streaming partner)

These answers also cover the trending searches:

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If you have a TV, just tune in to NBC at 9 AM EST.

How to Watch or Stream the Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025

Whether you’re home, traveling, or at work sneaking in the broadcast on your phone, here are your options:

Stream on Peacock

Peacock will once again stream the full event live.
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Stream on NBC.com or the NBC App

If you have cable login access.

Live TV Streaming Services

You can also stream NBC through:

• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• Sling TV
• FuboTV

(Availability may vary by region.)

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route 2025

If you’re planning to attend in person, here’s the official 2025 route (same as recent years):

77th Street & Central Park West

↓
Central Park West to Columbus Circle
↓
Central Park South to 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas)
↓
6th Avenue to 34th Street
↓
34th Street → Macy’s Herald Square (finale)

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Insider tip: The best viewing areas are Central Park West (early morning) and 6th Avenue (mid-route).

What to Expect for 2025: Floats, Balloons & Black Excellence

The Macy’s Parade always delivers fan favorites, but in recent years, more inclusivity has shaped the performances, the marching bands, and the cultural representation.

Expect:

• Giant balloons: Snoopy, Goku, Bluey, Grogu, and more
• Classic floats + new 2025 additions
• Performances from HBCU marching bands (a crowd favorite every year)
• Black artists, Broadway performers, and cultural groups representing African-American creativity and heritage

If history repeats, expect appearances by:

• High-profile Black entertainers
• Rising Black musicians promoted by major labels
• Dance teams and youth groups from across the nation

This is also a growing tourism moment for Black families traveling to NYC for the holiday.

How Long Is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The parade runs for three hours, from 9 AM to 12 PM EST.

This aligns with trending searches:

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Why the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Still Matters

Nearly a century old, the parade remains a moment of shared joy, something America doesn’t always get enough of.

For Black American families in particular, the tradition resonates because:

• It’s generational, grandparents watched it, now kids do too.
• HBCU bands and Black performers shine on a national stage.
• It marks the beginning of a season rooted in family, culture, and community.

Even with new technology, streaming apps, and social media highlights, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade continues to bring millions together.