How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2021 online

The Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) ballon in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2021
(Image credit: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy's, Inc.)
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade start time, channel

The 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT today (November 25) and run until to 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
• Watch on NBC via Sling or Fubo.TV
• Stream on Peacock
• Watch anywhere — try ExpressVPN 100% risk free

It's time to give thanks and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade online! The 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to full spectacle form, following last year's pared-down event. Get ready to see floats, classic balloons and some new characters, including The Mandalorian's Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). 

The 95th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 28 floats, 10 marching bands, 15 giant character balloons, more than 30 heritage balloons, and performances from big stars.

The new Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu balloon joins an updated Pikachu balloon. They will be joined by returning favorites Snoopy, Boss Baby and more.

The Today Show's Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will host the parade broadcast. Performs include Carrie Underwood, Foreigner, Kelly Rowland, Kristin Chenoweth, Jordan Fisher, South Korean girl group Aespa, Nelly, Rob Thomas and the cast of Sesame Street.

And for more stuff to watch after the parade, check out our guide on what to watch Thanksgiving weekend.

Here's everything you need to know to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade online. Plus, watch a first look video below:

If you're looking for something much less family friendly to watch on Thanksgiving, you can watch the South Park: Post Covid special on Paramount Plus. Just don't expect to find the new Grey's Anatomy episode this week.

How to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from anywhere

Just because NBC and Peacock aren't available everywhere doesn't mean you need to miss the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade if you're away from home. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be pretty easy. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you go.

Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service.

ExpressVPN

Our favorite VPN service, ExpressVPN, really shines thanks to its safety, speed and simplicity-to-use. It's also compatible with loads of devices - from iOS and Android to Roku, Apple TV and PlayStations. You'll even get an extra 3 months free if you sign up for a year, or there's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you just want to give it a try.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, ExpressVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're in the U.S. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to your streaming service of choice and tune in.

How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the US

In the U.S., Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is airing on NBC and streaming live on Peacock. The broadcast will begin at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT and run until 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT today (Nov. 25).

NBC is a local broadcast network that can accessed with one of the best TV antennas or through a cable TV package.

If you've already cut the cord and don't have cable, you can watch NBC on a live TV service, like Sling TV, FuboTV, two of the best streaming services on the market.

It's also on Hulu With Live TV, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.

Sling TV
Cheaper Live TV

Sling TV is one of the cheaper live TV services on the market. The Sling Blue package includes more than 50 channels including NBC and Fox (in select cities), AMC, Bravo, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime and USA. Right now, new subscribers can get the first month of Sling for just $10.

Fubo.TV
Comprehensive Live TV

Fubo.TV is a great alternative to a cable package. With the Starter Plan ($65 per month), you get over 120 channels, including all the local broadcast networks and top cable brands like AMC, E!, HGTV, FX, ESPN, Syfy and Paramount Network. 

Peacock

Peacock is the home of the vast NBCUniversal library, including every episode of The Office. In addition to classic movies and TV shows, subscribers can also watch episodes of current NBC series with Peacock Premium. The service also has originals such as Girls5eva, The Lost Symbol and the Saved By the Bell reboot.

How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the UK and Canada

Brits and Canadians don't celebrate Thanksgiving. But if you are in the UK or Canada and want to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade using a streaming service you already pay for, you should check out ExpressVPN.

VPN terms and services

Kelly Woo
Streaming Editor

Kelly is the streaming channel editor for Tom’s Guide, so basically, she watches TV for a living. Previously, she was a freelance entertainment writer for Yahoo, Vulture, TV Guide and other outlets. When she’s not watching TV and movies for work, she’s watching them for fun, seeing live music, writing songs, knitting and gardening.

TOPICS