What channel is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on is one of the most searched questions every November, and the answer for 2025 is clear. The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock, starting at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 27, 2025. NBC remains the official television broadcaster for the parade, while Peacock carries the full live stream for viewers who prefer watching online.
The parade will run through midday, with NBC also scheduling an encore telecast later in the afternoon for anyone who misses the live airing.
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NBC: The Official Broadcast Channel
NBC has televised the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for decades, and it continues as the exclusive national broadcaster in 2025. Viewers can watch the full parade on their local NBC station, whether they use antenna, cable, or satellite. The network will present the broadcast across all U.S. time zones, ensuring that audiences nationwide get the full show during the morning hours.
NBC’s coverage includes:
- Live performances from the parade route
- On-air hosts providing commentary and interviews
- Full coverage of balloons, floats, marching bands, and musical acts
- Featured guests and opening numbers filmed at Herald Square
Local broadcast times always begin at 8:30 a.m. ET, adjusting automatically across Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones.
Peacock: Streaming the Parade Live
For viewers who prefer to watch digitally, Peacock will stream the entire parade live. The platform offers a direct live feed of NBC’s telecast, making it a convenient option for cord-cutters.
Peacock subscribers can expect:
- Live streaming starting at 8:30 a.m. ET
- Access through smart TVs, phones, tablets, and streaming devices
- A replay available later in the day
- A stable, high-quality stream for large audience events
Users planning to watch on Peacock should ensure their account is active and logged in before Thanksgiving morning, as streaming demand ramps up quickly during the parade.
Encore Telecast Later in the Day
NBC will re-air the parade later in the afternoon. While the exact time may vary slightly by region, viewers typically see an encore scheduled for mid-to-late afternoon. This replay offers another chance to catch the parade’s biggest moments, including new balloon debuts, headline musical performances, and the grand finale appearance from Santa Claus.
Viewing Options for Cord-Cutters
If you don’t have cable or a digital antenna, you can still watch the broadcast through live-TV streaming platforms that carry NBC stations. Availability varies by market, but many national services include NBC in most major cities.
Live-TV services that generally carry NBC include:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Fubo
- Sling TV (in select markets)
- DirecTV Stream
These services allow viewers to tune into the NBC broadcast just as they would on cable. All you need is an active subscription and a compatible device.
Broadcast Schedule and Time Zone Guide
Here is a quick breakdown of how the live broadcast aligns with major U.S. time zones:
| Time Zone | Live Start Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern | 8:30 a.m. |
| Central | 7:30 a.m. |
| Mountain | 6:30 a.m. |
| Pacific | 5:30 a.m. |
Peacock’s live stream matches the Eastern Time broadcast but lets viewers join live from any time zone.
Hosts and Broadcast Format
NBC’s coverage features its well-known morning hosts, offering commentary from the streets of Manhattan and highlights from key points along the parade route. Performers, celebrities, and marching band directors appear throughout the telecast.
The format includes:
- The introduction of giant character balloons
- Float performances from popular entertainment brands
- Musical sets from Broadway shows
- Marching band showcases
- Celebrity guest appearances
The final segment traditionally ends with Santa Claus’ arrival in Herald Square, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
Why NBC Continues as the Home of the Parade
NBC is the longstanding broadcast partner for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, giving the network exclusive access to filming locations, performances, and staging. The consistent partnership ensures a polished production that blends live street coverage with staged elements at Herald Square.
This decades-long relationship makes the parade one of the most-watched holiday broadcasts in the United States each year.
Tips for Watching the Parade Smoothly
To make sure you don’t miss a moment:
- Tune in before the 8:30 a.m. ET start to catch opening performances.
- If streaming, test your Peacock login in advance.
- Confirm your NBC channel if using a digital antenna.
- Check local listings for the encore airing if you want to watch again.
These simple steps ensure a smooth viewing experience on one of the busiest broadcast mornings of the year.
Final Takeaway
If you’re wondering what channel is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on, the answer for 2025 is straightforward: NBC for television and Peacock for streaming, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving morning.
Share your favorite parade balloon or performance in the comments — I’d love to know which moment you’re excited to watch this year.