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 all the way to New York City to see the parade in action. You just need to use the right video streaming service.
Stream the Thanksgiving Day Parade With These Top Services
Peacock Review
4.0 ExcellentHulu Review
4.0 ExcellentYouTube TV Review
4.0 ExcellentThe Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade has been around for nearly a century, shifting from radio to television broadcasts. The parade is still televised nationally on NBC channels, rain or shine. On November 23, the showcase runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon EST, representing an extra half hour of entertainment than in previous years. If you subscribe to a live TV streaming service, you can 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 also 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 $5.99 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 represent one of the show's main draws. This year, expect to see 25 balloons based on famous characters and autumn icons:
Acorn
Beagle Scout Snoopy (New)
Blue Cat & Chugs (New)
Bluey
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Goku
Ice Cream Cone
Grogu
Kung Fu Panda's Po
Leo (New, from an upcoming, eponymous Netflix animated movie starring Adam Sandler)
Monkey D. Luffy (New)
Opening Macy's Stars
Paw Patrol
Pikachu & Eevee
Pumpkins
Red Titan From Ryan's World
Ronald McDonald
Sinclair Dino
Smokey Bear
Snow Crystal Ornaments
Spongebob Squarepants & Gary
Stuart the Minion
The Pillsbury Doughboy (New)
Tiptoe
Uncle Dan (New)
Several balloons will be attached to bicycles, and there will be plenty of clowns (more than 700!). Along with the Christmas floats, Peacock will have its own themed float called “Birds of a Feather Stream Together.”
Which Stars Will Appear in the Thanksgiving Parade?
Of course, we'll see lots of famous faces, such as Cher (the closing artist), Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, Jon Batiste, Josh Gad, and Katharine McPhee. Broadway stars, Olympic athletes, and the Muppets will make appearances, too. As per usual, the show will end with Santa Claus ushering in the Christmas season. Check out Macy’s website for the full lineup.
For more, check out our tips for hosting a virtual holiday and remember that no one should shop on Thanksgiving.
