If you’re searching for what channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on, you’re not alone. Millions of viewers across the United States tune in each Thanksgiving morning to watch the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and knowing exactly where to find it has become a must for holiday planners, families assembling for the big meal, and fans who never miss the seasonal spectacle. As of today, all major broadcast details for the 2025 parade are officially confirmed, including TV channels, start times, streaming options, and the updated format of this year’s show.
The parade remains one of the most anticipated holiday events of the year. From giant floating balloons to elaborate floats, celebrity performances, marching bands, and show-stopping musical numbers, the Thanksgiving Day Parade brings generations together. Whether you watch it as soon as you wake up, play it in the background while cooking, or gather around the TV for tradition’s sake, knowing exactly where to watch the broadcast avoids unnecessary scrambling on Thanksgiving morning.
Below is everything you need to know for 2025—clearly explained, fully updated, and organized so you can find the perfect way to tune in.
Table of Contents
The Official Broadcast Channel for the 2025 Parade
The primary question viewers ask every year is, what channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on? For 2025, the main broadcast network remains NBC, continuing a long-standing tradition that spans decades. NBC holds the national broadcast rights, meaning most households with a basic television setup can watch the parade live without needing a premium cable subscription.
NBC will air the parade starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time and continue coverage until noon. The parade will also be shown in other time zones following the same pattern: 8:30 a.m. local time for central, mountain, and Pacific audiences. NBC’s broadcast includes live anchor commentary, musical numbers, celebrity appearances, and close-up coverage of the floats and performances.
The network will also air an encore replay in the afternoon, which is perfect for families who are busy preparing Thanksgiving meals in the morning or want to rewatch their favorite performances later in the day.
Streaming Options for the 2025 Parade
In addition to NBC’s televised broadcast, the parade will be available on multiple streaming platforms. This ensures viewers without cable or antenna access can still enjoy the entire event with no limitations.
Here are the official streaming options confirmed for 2025:
Peacock
Peacock, NBC’s official streaming platform, will carry the full parade live. This ensures high-quality streaming on:
- Smart TVs
- Laptops and desktops
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV
You simply open the app at 8:30 a.m. ET and select the parade broadcast.
Live-TV Streaming Services
If you subscribe to a streaming service that includes NBC, you can also watch the parade through these platforms:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV (Blue package)
- FuboTV
These services stream NBC’s live feed, making them ideal alternatives if you no longer use cable.
Telemundo (Spanish-Language Option)
A Spanish-language broadcast of the parade will air nationally, ensuring broader accessibility for Latino households across the country. It includes translated commentary and coverage that mirrors the English broadcast.
Why Knowing the Right Channel Matters for Thanksgiving Plans
Thanksgiving morning is usually filled with activity: people cooking, assembling ingredients, setting tables, greeting guests, and preparing for the afternoon feast. Because so much happens at once, families often coordinate their schedules around major holiday broadcasts—especially the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Knowing what channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on allows families to:
- Plan viewing breaks while cooking
- Get kids settled for the morning excitement
- Enjoy the show together before guests arrive
- Keep the parade playing in the background to maintain holiday spirit
- Rewatch the afternoon replay if needed
The parade is deeply tied to Thanksgiving tradition, and missing the first half because you couldn’t find the channel can disrupt the holiday rhythm.
What Time the Parade Starts and Ends
Here is the official timing for the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade:
Start Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
This is slightly earlier than previous years, continuing last year’s adjusted start.
End Time: Noon ET
The parade lasts approximately 3.5 hours from kickoff to the final performance.
Encore Time: 2:00 p.m. (local time)
NBC will rebroadcast the entire parade later in the afternoon, giving families an opportunity to rewatch or catch anything they missed.
Time Zone Guide
| Time Zone | Live Start Time | Encore Replay |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern | 8:30 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
| Central | 8:30 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain | 8:30 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
| Pacific | 8:30 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
This consistent scheduling makes the broadcast easy to follow regardless of where you live.
Highlights of the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade
Each year, the parade evolves with new attractions, performers, and visual experiences. For 2025, viewers can expect:
Brand-New Balloons
Several new character balloons will debut this year, adding fresh energy to the parade. Longtime favorites will return as well, soaring over the streets of Manhattan.
New Floats and Theme Concepts
Companies, creative teams, and entertainment brands have prepared colorful new float designs to showcase at this year’s parade. These floats are visually spectacular, making them a highlight for families watching at home.
Celebrity Performances
The 2025 lineup includes prominent singers, Broadway casts, and well-known entertainers. Many holiday music releases, Broadway shows, and family entertainment films take advantage of parade visibility, making this one of the most star-studded televised events of the year.
Marching Bands From Across the U.S.
Dozens of high school, college, and specialty marching bands will perform. Some bands travel thousands of miles for this opportunity.
Special Holiday-Themed Segments
From costumed performers to dance groups to children’s ensembles, the parade integrates cheerful holiday spirit throughout the broadcast.
How the Parade Broadcast Has Evolved Over the Years
The parade first aired on television many decades ago and has since become a staple of American culture. Each year, networks expand their broadcast coverage with:
- More camera angles
- Drone footage
- Close-up performance views
- Enhanced audio mixes
- Behind-the-scenes moments
By 2025, the broadcast is more polished than ever, offering a cinematic viewing experience. Modern viewers enjoy a blend of traditional parade elements and upgraded production value.
How to Make the Most of Your Parade Viewing Experience
Here are some practical tips to make the viewing process smooth and enjoyable:
1. Turn on the TV or stream early
Sometimes networks start the countdown or show previews before the official start.
2. Check your channel in advance
Make sure your NBC station comes in clearly if you are using an antenna.
3. Prepare your streaming setup
If using Peacock or another streaming service, log in early to avoid buffering delays.
4. Set up a family viewing area
Kids especially love watching the giant balloons and performers.
5. Plan food prep around the parade
Many families cook during commercials or pause the stream if they’re watching via a platform that allows rewinding.
6. Catch the encore replay
The afternoon rebroadcast is perfect if the morning feels too hectic.
Why the Parade Remains a Must-Watch Holiday Event
The Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to hold cultural significance because it marks the unofficial start of the holiday season. It blends nostalgia with new entertainment, making it a generational tradition. Grandparents who watched it decades ago can share the moment with their grandchildren today.
Watching the parade connects:
- Families
- Friends
- Children
- Long-distance relatives
- Viewers celebrating alone or hosting large gatherings
For many, Thanksgiving doesn’t feel complete without the floats, balloons, and performances that signal the morning’s festivities.
A Simple Summary for Viewers
To summarize:
- Main channel: NBC
- Start time: 8:30 a.m. ET
- End time: Noon ET
- Encore replay: 2:00 p.m. local time
- Streaming: Peacock and live-TV streaming services
- Spanish-language: Telemundo
Wherever you are and whichever device you prefer, watching the parade is easier than ever in 2025.
FAQ
Q1: What channel is the Thanksgiving Day Parade on in 2025?
NBC airs the full parade in English, while Spanish-speaking viewers can watch on Telemundo.
Q2: What time does the parade start this year?
The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time and runs until noon.
Q3: Can I stream the parade if I don’t have cable?
Yes, you can stream it live on Peacock or through live-TV streaming services that include NBC.
Disclaimer
This article provides the most current broadcast and streaming details for the 2025 Thanksgiving Day Parade based on the latest confirmed information as of today. Networks and streaming platforms may adjust schedules or availability at any time. Viewers should confirm local listings or platform access if they experience any changes.