Watching the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade without spending a penny

Thanksgiving morning is synonymous with one iconic tradition: watching massive balloons glide down 6th Avenue. The 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade started at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC, with Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker hosting the broadcast.

This years parade showcased a wide range of performances, including Cynthia Erivo from Wicked: For Good, country star Lainey Wilson, and Broadway productions like Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime. Fans were treated to balloon debuts of beloved characters such as Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Shrek's Onion Carriage, and Mario.

If you missed the live action at Macy's Herald Square, NBC will replay the parade at 2 p.m. ET.

2025 Parade Schedule

• Start time: 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT
• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours, concluding at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
• Encore broadcast: 2 p.m. ET/PT

Broadcast and Streaming

The parade will air on NBC and stream on Peacock, accessible in all U.S. time zones. Viewers with live TV access may watch NBC over the air for free. Peacock also offers a platform for streaming the event online.

Performers Lineup

The parade features a diverse mix of musical talent and Broadway stars. Highlights include:

• Cynthia Erivo opening the parade
• Lainey Wilson, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Mr. Fantasy, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Radio City Rockettes, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith, Lusa Sonza, Teyana Taylor
• Broadway casts of Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, Ragtime

Additional parade features include 32 balloons, 3 "ballonicles," 27 floats, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, and numerous performances.

New Floats for 2025

• The Land of Ice & Wonder Holland America Line
• Brick-tastic Winter Mountain The LEGO Group
• Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things Netflix
• The Counting Sheep's Dream Generator Serta

New Balloons for 2025

• Buzz Lightyear Pixar Animation Studios
• Pac-Man Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Shrek's Onion Carriage Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Animation
• Derpy Tiger and Sussie Netflixs K-Pop Demon Hunters (mid-sized balloon/ballonicle)

Hosts

Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker from The Today Show will return as hosts for NBCs broadcast of the parade.

Watching the Parade for Free

Walmart+ members can access Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essential at no extra cost. A monthly Walmart+ subscription is $12.99, while an annual plan is currently discounted to $49, including benefits like free Apple Music for five months, discounts on Cinemark tickets, free shipping on Walmart purchases, and more.

Peacock offers a wide range of content including Emmy-winning shows, movies, live sports, and the 2026 Super Bowl. Regular Peacock subscriptions cost $10.99 for Premium and $16.99 for ad-free Premium Plus, but Walmart+ subscribers can enjoy the ad-supported version at no extra cost.

Analysis: The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, now a staple of American holiday tradition, continues to captivate viewers across the nation with its grandeur and festive spirit. Held annually, this year’s 99th edition presented a rich variety of performances, from Broadway stars like Cynthia Erivo to musical performances by Lainey Wilson and more. With its mix of music, floats, and new balloon designs, the parade was a spectacle that truly lived up to expectations.

The 2025 parade promises to offer an even more dynamic show, with new balloon characters such as Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, and Shrek's Onion Carriage. The introduction of these beloved characters adds a fresh layer of excitement for both longtime fans and new viewers. Additionally, the 2025 floats include collaborations with major brands like Netflix's "Stranger Things" and The LEGO Group, signaling a trend of growing partnerships between the parade and pop culture icons.

As for accessibility, the parade continues to be widely available through NBC's live broadcast and streaming on Peacock. This allows for a broad audience to enjoy the festivities, regardless of location, with encore broadcasts ensuring that no one misses out on the magic of the event. For those looking to watch the parade on the go, platforms like Walmart+ provide free access to Peacock Premium, making it easier for subscribers to experience the show without additional costs.

Looking ahead, the parade's continued success lies in its ability to blend tradition with innovation, keeping the essence of Thanksgiving alive while embracing modern culture. The 2025 parade is set to be another memorable chapter in this iconic American tradition, offering something for everyone, from families enjoying the balloons to fans of musical performances.

Sources:

• How to watch the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for free