How to Watch or Stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024

Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an American fall staple. It’s an iconic tradition in the company of turkey, football and Black Friday sales. Every year, millions tune in to watch the vibrant Thanksgiving festivities. Whether you plan to watch the parade in person or stream it from the comfort of your home, here are all the details on how to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024.

Where can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an iconic American tradition since 1924, is a staple of the holiday season. The annual parade, televised on NBC since 1953, is hosted in Manhattan, New York City and ends at Macy’s Herald Square. Each year, about 3.5 million people attend in person, with another 50 million watching from home. In 2023, the parade featured more than 1,200 dancers and cheerleaders, 11 marching bands, 26 floats and 16 giant character balloons.

This year’s parade marks the 100th anniversary, though it’s the 98th edition. The event was suspended from 1942 to 1944 due to World War II when helium and rubber were redirected to the war effort. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is tied as the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the U.S., alongside Detroit’s America’s Thanksgiving Parade and second only to Philadelphia’s Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024 Features

The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held on November 28, with the broadcast starting at 8:30 a.m. across all time zones. Hoda Kotb will serve as the official host for her final time.

This year’s parade will feature exciting new balloons, including Elf on a Shelf, an all-new Spider-Man and Dora the Explorer making her debut. Notable new floats will include Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest, Go Bowling, Wondrous World of Wildlife and the return of Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for its second appearance.

There’s so much to enjoy at the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It truly brings joy to all ages and walks of life. Expect to see giant balloons like Diary of a Wimpy Kid Marshall from PAW Patrol and Smokey the Bear, along with oversized floats and playful clowns.

This year’s lineup also includes Broadway performances, marching bands and the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. Of course, Santa and his reindeer will cap off the festivities, ushering in the Christmas season. Whether you’re watching in person or on TV, the parade’s rich history and exciting moments make it a must-see event.

How to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

This year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held on Thursday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST. If you’re not in New York and prefer watching from the comfort of your couch, there are plenty of options to enjoy the parade via broadcast or live stream.

NBC is the official broadcaster, so you can watch it on its TV channel, website or app. CBS also airs the parade with its own hosts.

Additionally, you can stream the parade through various subscription services, though specific availability may vary by location. Grab your favorite snacks, appetizers or beverages and enjoy the show!

• Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service
• Sling TV, an on-demand and live-streaming platform
• Paramount+, CBS’s streaming service
• Hulu + Live TV, an on-demand and live-streaming platform
• DirecTV Stream, an on-demand and live-streaming platform that allows you to stream to multiple devices at once
• YouTube TV, an on-demand and live-streaming platform that offers digital DVR recordings

Pros of Watching from Home

• Easy access to the event
• No need to deal with crowds or weather
• Special TV segments that in-person attendees may miss

Pros of Attending in Person

• Experience the excitement of the parade live
• See the floats and performances up close
• Enjoy the festive New York atmosphere during the holidays

Why You Should Trust Us

Emma Caplan is a consumer products expert at Taste of Home. She specializes in industry and shopping trends, product reviews and lifestyle news, including events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With over 12 years of content experience, she covers a wide range of categories, including food, beverage, entertaining, home, design, health, beauty, fashion, travel, outdoors, real estate, business and tech.

Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.

FAQ

What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

The parade broadcast starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. EST, 30 minutes before the parade begins at 9 a.m. EST. Broadcasts in other time zones also start at 8:30 a.m., and there’s a re-air from 2 to 5:30 p.m. on the same day.

How long is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The parade runs for three hours, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Can I attend the parade for free?

If you plan to attend the parade in person, you can do so for free. No tickets are required. Simply find a good spot along the 2.5-mile route early enough. The parade begins at 77th Street and Central Park West and concludes at 34th Street and Macy’s Herald Square.

What Other Experts/Reviewers Had to Say

“This was on our bucket list and I am so glad we did it this year,” says WPLAndry in their TripAdvisor review. “We took full advantage of just walking around before and after to really see the city in a way you don’t often get.”

Leslie S. calls the parade “better in person,” adding that “watching on TV is great to see, but to actually be up close to all the floats is magical.”

“Everyone must experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade at least once in your life,” says Susan K, a NYC native. “This is a wonderful place to be if you are in New York during the holiday season.”

Final Verdict

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must-watch holiday tradition, whether you plan to attend in person or view from home. The parade kicks off on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, at 9 a.m. EST, so be sure to plan ahead. If you’re attending in person, grab a spot along the 2.5-mile route several hours early. For those watching from home, ensure your cable or streaming services are ready, so you don’t miss a moment of this festive event.

Where to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024

NBC hosts Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade annually, offering a live broadcast on traditional TV and streaming on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s service. CBS also airs the parade with its own hosts and camera angles. Additionally, you can stream it through platforms like Paramount+, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. Check local listings for streaming availability. If you miss the live showing, the parade will re-air from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.