How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022 online

View of the Baby Yoda balloon at the 95th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25, 2021 in New York City.
(Image credit: James Devaney/Getty Images)

It's here! It's finally time to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022 online. This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will bring back iconic balloons, floats, Santa Claus and big stars like Mariah Carey. 

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade start time, channel

The 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place today Thursday (November 25). The broadcast starts at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT and run until to 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
• Watch on NBC via Sling (opens in new tab) or Fubo.TV (opens in new tab)
• Stream on Peacock (opens in new tab)
• Watch anywhere — try ExpressVPN 100% risk free (opens in new tab)

The 96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 16 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 40 novelty and heritage inflatables, more than 700 clowns, 12 marching bands and 10 performance groups and an array of musical stars.

The Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu balloon returns, joined by new giants like Bluey and Stuart the Minion. And favorites Astronaut Snoopy, Ronald McDonald, Pikachu and SpongeBob SquarePants will all be back, too.

In the parade's finale, Carey will perform her beloved Christmas song “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The show will kick off with an opening number from Lea Michele and the cast of Broadway’s Funny Girl. 

The Today Show's Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will host the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast. 

Here's everything you need to know to watch the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade online. 

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 (opens in new tab). It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service.

ExpressVPN (opens in new tab)

Our favorite VPN service, ExpressVPN (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're in the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select U.S. 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 (opens in new tab) on Thursday, November 25. The broadcast will begin at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT and run until 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

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

Sling TV (opens in new tab)

Sling TV (opens in new tab) 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 half off (opens in new tab).

Fubo.TV (opens in new tab)

Fubo.TV (opens in new tab) is a great alternative to a cable package. With the Pro Plan ($70 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 (opens in new tab)

Peacock (opens in new tab) 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. For a limited time, Peacock Premium is $0.99 per month (opens in new tab).

How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Canada, the UK or Australia

Brits, Canadians and Australians don't celebrate Thanksgiving. But if you are in those countries and want to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade using a streaming service you already pay for, you should check out ExpressVPN (opens in new tab).

Coverage begins at 2 p.m. GMT / 1 a.m. AEDT.

VPN terms and services

Kelly Woo
Senior Writer

Kelly is a senior writer covering streaming media 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.