The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is America’s most-watched entertainment telecast of the year — and even more impressive than the tens of millions of people watching at home, is the fact that more than 3.5 million spectators attend in person.

How to Watch

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27 at 8:30 a.m. on NBC and Peacock. 

The 2025 edition of the parade will be no different, with millions expected to line the streets to get a glimpse of waving celebrities, soaring balloons, clowns, marching bands and other performers, and of course, Santa Claus.

Those watching onscreen can tune in Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27 at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC and Peacock. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker from TODAY are back as hosts of the broadcast, which will repeat on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT. 

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If you plan to attend in person, here’s how. 

Where is the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route?

The parade begins at 77th St. and Central Park West on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at 8:30 a.m. From there, it heads south to 59th St, where it turns east onto Central Park South. At 6th Ave. (Avenue of the Americas) and Central Park South, the parade turns south, heading down 6th Ave. until it reaches 34th St., where Macy’s Herald Square is. There, it turns west and ends at 34th St. and 7th Ave. in Midtown Manhattan.

Where are the best spots to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

If you’re wondering where to stand along the 2.5 mile-parade route, Macy’s suggests several areas as having great views. Beginning at 6 a.m., early-rising attendees start lining up on the west side of Central Park West from W. 75th St. to W. 63rd St. Macy’s also states that there are great views from the south side of W. 59th St. between Columbus Circle and 6th Ave. For the final stretch of the parade, the department store chain recommends viewing it along 6th Ave. between W. 59th and W. 38th Sts. 

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Where can I watch balloons being blown up for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

If you’re going to be in New York City the day before the parade, you can watch the balloons being inflated. Tickets are not required and it’s free and open to the public. The line to view the balloons opens at noon on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 and viewing begins at 1 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m. All guests have to enter through a security checkpoint at W. 72nd St. and Columbus Ave., and then follow a designated route to Central Park West. The route continues up Central Park West to W. 77th St., where it turns west towards Columbus Ave., and then north, going up to W. 81st St. before finally turning east and heading to Central Park West. 

After viewing the balloons, guests exit the inflation area at W. 81st St. and Central Park West, and can head north on Central Park West to see the float assembly between W. 81st and W. 86th Sts.

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And if you’d rather not leave the comfort of your home, you can always just stay in your pajamas and watch the parade on Thursday, November 27 at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC and Peacock, or catch it when it airs again on NBC at 2 p.m. ET/PT.