Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for one of the largest celebrated parades in the US: the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Personally, this is my favorite part of Thanksgiving Day; I always look forward to seeing the floats, balloons and performances every year.
This year’s broadcast features a few minor adjustments to the typical Thanksgiving Day agenda; expect an earlier start time (see below) and some additional camera angles. Otherwise, the parade will function in the same way as it has for years. It will feature classic parade elements such as live performances by popular artists, floats, marching bands and Broadway performances.
If you’re a fan like me, or you just want to pass the time while cooking Thanksgiving dinner, then you’re in luck because it will be quite easy to stream the parade. Regardless of whether you plan to watch the festivities live in New York City or from the comfort (and warmth) of your own home, here’s everything you need to know.
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The 97th Macy’s Parade takes place on November 24, from 8:30 AM ET (5:30 AM PT) to 12:00 PM ET. If you don’t feel like waking up early on Thanksgiving Day, NBC will air an encore of the parade at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT).
How to stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The parade will air on NBC and will be simulcast on Peacock and as a Spanish-language broadcast on Telemundo.
To attend the Parade on Peacock, you will need the Peacock Premium subscription. Peacock bounty will cost you $6 per month, and Peacock Premium Plus (the ad-free tier) will cost around $12 per month. Usually Peacock has a Black Friday special to reduce prices. It hasn’t been announced yet, but we’ll update this story once the deal is live.
If you’ve ditched the cable, you can still attend this year’s parade. Subscribers to live TV streaming services such as Youtube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Fubo TV, Garland Blue or DirectTV stream (or any other live TV streaming service NBC gets) can watch the parade live on NBC with their subscription.
Who will perform in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Like last year, the parade will be hosted by TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. Artists include Jon Batiste, Brandy, Chicago; En Vogue, Ashley Park with the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Pentatonix and many others.
Broadway fans will be treated to performances from the cast of & Juliet, Back to The Future: The Musical, How to Dance in Ohio, Shucked, Spamalot and, as usual, the Radio City Rockettes.
In addition to all the performances and floats, favorite balloons like Bluey, Grogu and Pikachu return to the parade this year, with new additions like Beagle Scout Snoopy and Kung Fu Panda’s Po joining the line-up.
For more information, here’s how to prepare for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping this year.