For time immemorial, humans have honored and revered beings in the sky. Replace theology with corporate-sponsored floats, and that tradition continues with the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 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. Just fire up the right video streaming service, and you can watch giant, branded balloons propel the nation into the holiday (and shopping) season. Here’s how to do it without a pricey cable subscription.
Stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade With These Top Services
When and Where to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving 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, 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.
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(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 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.
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Which Celebrities Will Appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving 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.
How to Use a VPN to Encrypt Your Online Activity
Can You Stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving 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.
About Our Expert
Jordan Minor
Senior Writer, Software
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My PCMag career began in 2013 as an intern. Now, I’m a senior writer, using the skills I acquired at Northwestern University to write about dating apps, meal kits, programming software, website builders, video streaming services, and video games. I was previously a senior editor at Geek.com and have written for The A.V. Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I’m the author of the gaming history book Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977, and the reason everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.
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