Thanksgiving is a day of tradition. The menu for dinner doesn’t change dramatically from year to year. The Detroit Lions will play football somewhere (and likely lose, if history is any indicator). And the day, in many households, will start with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The retailer has been a major part of this day for 98 years, and the Christmas shopping season doesn’t officially begin until Santa arrives at the end of the festivities. Along the way, there’s a cornucopia of singers, giant balloons and marching bands.
This year’s parade, like your Thanksgiving dinner, will see a few small changes, but likely won’t stray too far from tradition.
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begin?
This year’s parade starts at 8:30 a.m. ET. If you’ve got other things going on, (or you’re on the West Coast), a re-broadcast will run starting at 2:00 p.m. ET.
How long will the Thanksgiving Day parade last?
The parade generally lasts 3.5 hours—and the initial broadcast runs until noon. The rebroadcast is a bit tighter and should will wrap up at 5:30 p.m.
How can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for free?
The annual event will broadcast over the air simultaneously on NBC and Peacock. The best way to watch for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. To ensure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I stream the Thanksgiving Day Parade online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Absolutely! Try one of these options…
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you full access to the parade (and tonight’s NFL game). It carries a $8 or $14 monthly charge—and the service has recently done away with its free trial. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets, including NBC. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
What are the new balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Minnie Mouse is the big change this year. For the first time since her debut in 1928, Mickey’s polka-dotted companion will join the party. She’s the last of the Disney Fab Five to be a part of the parade. Mickey Mouse’s balloon debut was in 1934. Pluto was a part of the parade that year as well. Donald Duck followed in 1935. And Goofy made an appearance in 1992.
Also new this year are Goku, the hero of the Dragon Ball anime series and video games; the Elf on the Shelf; Dora the Explorer and Boots (for the first time in 15 years); and a new Spider-Man balloon.
Minnie will be joined by old favorites, including Snoopy, Bluey, the Minions and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Who will perform in this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
All totaled, 24 performers will be part of this year’s parade, including Indina Menzel, Charli D’Amelio, T-Pain, The Temptations, and Ellie the Elephant from the New York Liberty.
What’s the parade route?
The parade begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West, following a winding 2.5 mile path to Macy’s Flagship store in Herald Square. If you’re hoping to go in person, it’s good to know that not all spots along the route allow public viewing. Try Central Park West between 60th and 75th street or on Sixth Avenue between West 59th and 38th Streets. Come early. Real early.
