Thanksgiving is a day of tradition. The dinner menu doesn’t change much from year to year. The Detroit Lions will play football somewhere (and probably lose, if history is any indication). And that day, for many families, will begin with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The retailer has been a big part of this day for 98 years, and the Christmas shopping season is no exception legally starting until Santa arrives at the end of the festivities. Along the way, there is a cornucopia of musicians, giant balloons and marching bands.
This year’s show, like your Thanksgiving dinner, will see a few changes, but it probably won’t depart from tradition.
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
This year’s parade will begin at 8:30 am ET. If you have something going on, (or are on the West Coast), the rebroadcast will begin at 2:00 pm ET.
How long will the Thanksgiving celebration last?
The parade usually lasts 3.5 hours – and the first broadcast continues until noon. The rebroadcast is limited and should end at 5:30 pm
How can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for free?
The annual event will be broadcast simultaneously on NBC and Peacock. The best way to watch for free on a big screen is to have a good HD antenna. To make sure you’re getting a reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in several locations around your home.
Can I watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade online if I don’t have a subscription?
Absolutely! Try one of these methods…
Peacock
NBC broadcast services it will give you enough access to the parade (and the NFL game tonight). It costs $8 or $14 a month and the service has recently ended its free trial. (Peacock’s free version does not include live games.)
Disney +
Disney bundle for Disney +, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 a month for all three bundles (or $30 a month without ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price up to $77 per month ($90 without ads).
Hulu with Live TV
A free trial is now open this service it lasts three days. After that, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trialyou can expect monthly fees of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling low-tier “Orange” plan will run you $40 a month. Adding an additional “Blue” plan cuts the price to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial is gone, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this often changed directions it will run you $80 a month and go up after the free trial.
Fubo TV
This is sports-focused on cord cutting service carries broadcast networks in many markets, including NBC. There’s a free seven-day trial, followed by monthly subscriptions of $80 and up, depending on the options you choose.
What are the new balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Minnie Mouse is the biggest change this year. For the first time since his debut in 1928, Mickey’s polka-dotted friend is joining the party. He is the last of the Disney Fab Five to be on the team. The Mickey Mouse balloon debuted in 1934. Pluto was there that year too. Donald Duck followed in 1935. And Goofy appeared in 1992.
New this year is Goku, the hero of the Dragon Ball anime series and video game; Elf on the shelf; Dora the Explorer and Boots (for the first time in 15 years); and Spider-Man’s new balloon.
Minnie will be joined by old favorites, including Snoopy, Bluey, Minions and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Who will sing in this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
In total, 24 acts will perform at this year’s show, including Indina Menzel, Charli D’Amelio, T-Pain, The Temptations, and Ellie the Elephant from New York Liberty.
What is the parade route?
The parade starts at West 77thTh Street and Central Park West, following a winding 2.5 mile route to the Macy’s Flagship store in Herald Square. If you’re hoping to go solo, it’s good to know that not all places allow people to watch. Try Central Park West between 60Th and 75Th street or on Sixth Avenue between West 59thTh and 38Th Roads. Come early. Really fast.
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