(Credit: PCMag Composite/juststock/Magali Gomez/iStock/Getty Images)
Since our earliest days, humans have honored and revered beings in the sky. Replace theology with humongous, colorful, corporate-sponsored balloons, and that tradition continues with the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In the past, you'd need cable to enjoy the festivities if you didn't want to trek to New York City. However, in the streaming age, you don't need that pricey bill to view the parade as it marches, dances, and sings through midtown Manhattan. Just fire up the right video streaming service to watch awe-inspiring balloons, fantastic floats, Broadway performers, and marching bands propel the nation into the holiday (and shopping) season. Here's how to do it without an expensive cable subscription.
When and Where to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has been a staple of American culture since 1924, evolving from a radio broadcast to a televised event. The parade is still televised nationally on NBC channels, rain or shine. On November 27, 2025, the 99th showcase runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon EST. If you subscribe to a live TV streaming service, simply visit the NBC channel to watch the floats and performances.
Admittedly, many live TV streaming services are expensive, as they are meant to replace cable TV (YouTube TV, for example, costs a hefty $82.99 per month). However, there's a much cheaper way for cord-cutters to watch the show. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will stream live on NBC's Peacock service, one of our Editors' Choice winners for video streaming services. Peacock lacks a free tier, but it offers affordable streaming starting at just $7.99 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 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Giant, kaiju-size balloons are one of the show's main draws. This year, expect to see 34 balloons based on famous characters and autumn icons:
- Acorn
- Beagle Scout Snoopy
- Blue and White Macy's Stars
- Bluey
- Buzz Lightyear (New)
- Candy Cane
- Derpy Tiger (New)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Disney's Minnie Mouse
- Dora
- Gabby and Pandy Paws
- Goku
- Goldbear
- Green Stars
- Ice Crystals
- Macy Stars
- Mario (New)
- Marshall from Paw Patrol
- Monkey D. Luffy
- Noorah
- Pac-Man (New)
- Pikachu & Eevee
- Poinsettia Ornaments
- Pumpkins
- Red "Believe" Stars
- Red Macy's Star
- Shrek's Onion Carriage (New)
- Smokey Bear
- Soccer Ball
- Spider-Man
- SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary
- Stuart the Minion
- The Pillsbury Doughboy
- Yellow Stars
The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade will feature entertainment beyond the giant balloons, including four balloonicles, 33 clown crews, nine performance groups, 11 marching bands, and 14 specialty units, such as bicycle riders inspired by The Nutcracker Suite.
Which Celebrities Will Appear in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Of course, the parade wouldn't be the same without many famous faces. You can expect Busta Rhymes, Ciara, Jewel, Kool and the Gang, Shaggy, Teyana Taylor, and the singing voices behind the animated hit KPop Demon Hunters, among others. As usual, the show will end with Santa Claus ushering in the Christmas season. Check out Macy's website for the full lineup.
Can You Stream the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade With a VPN?
One thing we're thankful for each year is VPNs, one of the best tools for keeping yourself safe while surfing the web. Video streaming services typically block VPNs as spoofing your geographic location interferes with regional licensing deals. Unfortunately, none of the live TV video services you need to stream the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade are compatible with a VPN. Hopefully, that changes by the time the parade rolls around next year.