Goku, Snoopy, and Spidey: How to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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 to New York City to see the parade as it marches, dances, and sings through midtown Manhattan. You just need to use the right video streaming service.

When and Where to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade has existed for nearly a century, shifting from radio to television broadcasts. The parade is still televised nationally on NBC channels, rain or shine. On November 28, the 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 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 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 $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 Thanksgiving Parade?

Giant, kaiju-size balloons are one of the show’s main draws. This year, expect to see 22 balloons based on famous characters and autumn icons:

1. Beagle Scout Snoopy

2. Bluey

3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

4. Disney’s Minnie Mouse (New)

5. Extraordinary Noorah & The Elf on the Shelf (New)

6. Gabby (New)

7. Goku (New)

8. Kung Fu Panda’s Po

9. Marshall from Paw Patrol (New)

10. Monkey D. Luffy

11. Opening Macy’s Stars

12. Pikachu & Eevee

13. The Pillsbury Doughboy

14. Pumpkins

15. Ronald McDonald

16. Sinclair Dino

17. Smokey Bear

18. Snow Crystal Ornaments

19. Spider-Man (New)

20. SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary

21. Stuart the Minion

22. Tiptoe

The broadcast will feature other entertainment besides the giant balloons, including seven balloonicles, 11 marching bands, and 28 clown crews. Along with the expected floats, the Peacock streaming service will once again sponsor a themed float called “Birds of a Feather Stream Together” featuring…a giant peacock.

Which Celebrities Will Appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade?

Of course, the parade isn’t the parade without many famous faces. You can expect Ariana Madix, Coco Jones, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, The Temptations, and T-Pain, 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.

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About Jordan Minor

Senior Analyst, Software

In 2013, I started my Ziff Davis career as an intern on PCMag’s Software team. Now, I’m an Analyst on the Apps and Gaming team, and I really just want to use my fancy Northwestern University journalism degree to write about video games. I host The Pop-Off, PCMag’s video game show. I was previously the Senior Editor for Geek.com. I’ve also written for The A.V. Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I’m the author of a video game history book, Video Game of the Year, and the reason why everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.

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