You've probably seen the giant Snoopy or the massive Pikachu floating above the Manhattan skyline on your TV for years. But 2026 is different. This is the big one—the 100th Anniversary. Honestly, if you’re asking where can I watch the macy parade this year, you’re not alone. Everyone is scrambling because the milestone makes this specific march a "bucket list" event for basically the entire country.
Whether you're planning to freeze your toes off on a New York City sidewalk or you'd much rather stay in your pajamas with a massive plate of cinnamon rolls, you have options. But they aren't the same as they were a few years ago. The ways we consume live TV have shifted, and if you wait until 8:25 AM on Thanksgiving morning to find the channel, you’re gonna be stressed.
Let’s break down exactly how to see the 100th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade without losing your mind.
The Official Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
For the vast majority of people, NBC is the home base. It’s been that way for decades. This year, the parade kicks off at 8:30 AM in all time zones. That "all time zones" bit is actually super important. NBC usually staggers the broadcast so that no matter if you're in New York or Los Angeles, it starts at 8:30 AM locally.
If you’ve ditched cable, your best bet is Peacock.
It’s NBC’s streaming service, and it’ll be carrying the live feed simultaneously. I’ve noticed that the Peacock stream sometimes feels a tiny bit behind the "live" cable broadcast—maybe 30 seconds or so—which only matters if you’re trying to sync up a group chat with your cousins in another state.
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Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker are expected to lead the hosting duties again. They've become the faces of the morning. There is also usually a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo if that’s your preference.
What if you miss the morning show?
It happens. The turkey takes longer than expected, or the kids finally slept in. NBC almost always runs an encore telecast at 2:00 PM ET/PT. It’s the exact same footage, just later in the day when the food coma is starting to set in.
Where Can I Watch the Macy Parade Without Cable?
You don't need a $150 monthly cable bill to watch the balloons. Seriously. Since the parade is on NBC, anyone with a cheap digital antenna can usually pick it up for free in high definition. If you’re in a city, this is the "secret" most people forget. Just plug the antenna into your TV, scan for channels, and look for your local NBC affiliate.
If you prefer the streaming route, basically any Live TV service that carries local channels will work:
- YouTube TV: Reliable, has a "Key Plays" feature (though not really needed for a parade), and offers a free trial for new users.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes Disney+ and ESPN+, which is great for the rest of the holiday weekend.
- FuboTV: Heavily focused on sports, but it carries NBC in most markets.
- Sling TV: You need the "Sling Blue" package to get NBC, but be careful—NBC is only available in certain major markets on Sling. Check your zip code on their site first.
Watching It Live in New York City (The "In-Person" Experience)
If you’re actually going to be in Manhattan, watching the parade is a whole different beast. It’s crowded. Like, "can't move your arms" crowded. The 100th anniversary is expected to draw record-breaking numbers, likely over 3 million people lining the 2.5-mile route.
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The route traditionally starts at 77th Street and Central Park West. It travels down to Columbus Circle, turns onto Central Park South, and then heads down 6th Avenue to 34th Street, ending right in front of Macy's Herald Square.
Best Spots to Stand
Most people go for 6th Avenue. It’s wide. There’s a lot of room. But if you want a decent view, you have to be there by 6:00 AM. No joke. I’ve known people who show up at 5:00 AM with folding chairs and thermos-loads of coffee.
Avoid the area between 34th and 38th Streets. That’s the "telecast zone." It’s closed to the public because that’s where the cameras are, and the grandstand seating there is strictly for Macy's employees or people with special "ungettable" tickets.
The "Secret" Viewing Hack
If you can’t make the parade itself, go the day before. On Wednesday, November 25, 2026, you can watch the Balloon Inflation. It happens around the American Museum of Natural History (77th and 81st Streets). It’s still crowded, but it’s a much more casual way to see the scale of these things up close. You can literally see the nets holding down a half-inflated "Grogu" or "Bluey."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A lot of people search for a YouTube live stream from random accounts. Don't do it. Most of those are scams or "looped" footage from 2023 or 2024 designed to get ad revenue. Unless it’s the official NBC or Macy's YouTube channel, it’s probably a fake. Stick to the official apps like Peacock or the NBC website (where you can sometimes watch for a limited "preview" period even without a login).
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Also, keep in mind that the parade is a rain-or-shine event. The only thing that stops the balloons is high wind. If the sustained winds are over 23 mph or gusts are over 34 mph, the balloons have to stay grounded for safety. In that case, the "parade" still happens, but it’s just the bands and floats. It’s rare, but it happened in 1971 and almost happened a few times recently.
Why This 100th Anniversary Matters
Since 1924 (with a few years off for WWII), this has been the unofficial start of the holiday season. For the 100th, rumors are swirling about "legacy" balloons returning—designs from the 40s and 50s recreated with modern materials. Expect a lot of nostalgia.
If you are watching from home, pay attention to the musical performances. They usually happen in the first hour and a half, mostly centered at the 34th street finish line.
To make sure your morning goes smoothly, download the Peacock app a day early. Create your account, make sure your subscription is active, and test it. There is nothing worse than trying to remember a password while the first float is already turning the corner on 6th Avenue.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your local listings to confirm which NBC affiliate serves your area.
- If you're using an antenna, do a channel scan today to ensure the signal is clear.
- If you're heading to NYC, book a hotel on the route (like the New York Hilton Midtown) now—prices will only skyrocket as November 2026 approaches.