Watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 online
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 will be broadcast live on NBC and Telemundo from 8.30am ET on Thursday. You can also stream the event online either with a subscription to Peacock ($5.99), or through a virtual multi-channel video distributor like FuboTV. But, if you’re out of the country during the holidays, you can download a VPN watch your preferred streaming service from anywhere.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023: preview
This year's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is thundering into view. Organized annually by the department store since 1924, the parade attracts millions to Manhattan to witness giant inflatable cartoon characters and iconic performers on floats proceeding along the 2.5-mile parade route. But you don’t have to step foot in New York to witness this incredible spectacle because it's all streamed and televised.
It begins at the slightly earlier time of 8.30am ET with show hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker all returning. Take a look at the timings, route and performers below.
Viewers can expect to see a total 31 floats, 25 giant balloons, 29 clown crews and 6 balloonicles wind through Manhattan, filling West 77th street and beyond with jubilation and live music from over a dozen well-known acts.
Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste will kick things off, before Tom Turkey – the parade’s longest running title float – shoots down Central Park West to Macy’s Herald Square. Once there, pop legend Cher will dazzle the crowds with hits from her first-ever Christmas album, before passing the mic to the real holiday headliner: Santa Claus himself!
Viewers will spot tons of American icons, both fictional and real. Rock band Chicago will be aboard The Wondership from Wonder, while girl group En Vogue will perform on the float called Colossal Wave of Wonder. Overhead, the character balloons include Kung Fu Panda’s Po, SpongeBob, Grogu, and Pikachu & Eevee on a Poké Ball-inspired sleigh.
It's a Thanksgiving TV staple as traditional as pumpkin pie. Read on below and we'll we explain how to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 online from anywhere.
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How to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the US
How to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 online outside your country
Out of the country for either work or pleasure? If so, you’ll likely encounter geo-blocking restrictions when trying to access your local streaming service, which means you won’t be able to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade online over the holidays.
Luckily, the best VPN – otherwise known as a virtual private network – provides a simple solution. It alters your IP address to make it appear like you’re somewhere else. While this can be used for privacy, it can also be used to access your preferred streaming platform back home, even when you're out of the country.
Use a VPN to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 online from anywhere:
- Related: how to watch Peacock from outside the US with a VPN
Can I watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 online in Canada?
Can I watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade online in the UK?
Can I watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade online in Australia?
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023: time, route and performers
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 start?
The parade kicks off live on NBC at 8.30am ET / 5.30am PT Thanksgiving Day, with coverage repeated later in the day at 2pm ET / 11am PT.
If you’re a US citizen watching from the UK, that means the initial broadcast starts at 1.30pm GMT, while those in Australia trying to watch the parade will have to wait until early morning, on Friday, November 24 at 12.30am.
What route will the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade take?
The 2.5-mile route starts at West 77th Street & Central Park West, with the parade moving past Columbus Circle and on to Central Park South. The procession then continues on to 6th Avenue, before making its final turn and stopping outside Macy's flagship department store in Herald Square.
What artists are performing at the Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023?
- Cher
- Jon Batiste
- Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD)
- Brandy
- Chicago
- En Vogue
- Enhypen
- David Foster and Katharine
- Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
- Jessie James Decker
- Ashley Park with the "Sesame Street" muppets
- Pentatonix
- Paul Russell
- Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith
- Manuel Turizo
- Jabari Banks
- Miss American Grace Stanke
What are the origin’s of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The annual parade first took place in 1924 and was organized by US-based department store Macy’s. It is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade, tying with America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago. Originally, live zoo animals joined the procession of musicians and performers, until 1927, when they were replaced by less volatile, animal-shaped balloons.
What balloons will be features in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year?
- Goku (Dragon Ball franchise)
- Acorn
- Beagle Scout Snoopy
- Blue Cat & Chugs
- Bluey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Grogu from The Mandalorian
- Ice Cream Cone
- Kung Fu Panda’s Po
- Leo the Lizard (upcoming Netflix film)
- Monkey D. Luffy (animated series One Piece)
- Macy’s Stars
- Chase from Paw Patrol
- Pikachu & Eevee
- Pumpkins
- Red Titan from Ryan’s World
- Ronald McDonald
- Sinclair’s Dino
- Smokey Bear
- Snow Crystal Ornaments
- SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary
- Stuart the Minion
- The Pillsbury Doughboy
- Tiptoe the Reindeer
- Uncle Dan (upcoming Migration movie)
