There are certain things you can always count on during the holiday season. Overindulging in food and drinks, dealing with those quirky relatives, and, of course, settling down to watch the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It's one of life's simple joys, isn’t it? Picture this: the scent of turkey and stuffing wafting through your home as you cozy up to watch the magic unfold on your screen. The parade isn’t just an event—it’s a cherished tradition that brings warmth and excitement to the Thanksgiving table.

But before you dive into the festivities, let’s make sure you’re fully prepared. Whether you're planning to watch it on TV or streaming it online, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Don’t let Thanksgiving 2023 pass without experiencing the magic!

When Does the Parade Kick Off?

This year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 23, from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones. But don’t worry if you’re busy cooking or catching some extra Z’s—you can catch a repeat airing from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This isn’t just any old parade; it’s celebrating its incredible 93rd anniversary! The Macy’s parade first made its debut in 1924 in the heart of New York City and has been a nationally televised event since 1948. And guess what? Over 3.5 million people line the streets of Manhattan each year, creating a two-and-a-half-mile spectacle that captivates millions more watching at home. With over 50 million viewers tuning in annually, the parade truly is an unforgettable experience.

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Real life in 2 months #christmasiscoming #turtledoveseason #rockettes
A post shared by Danni Heverin (@danniheverin) on Jul 29, 2017 at 11:59am PDT

Where Can I Watch the Parade?

Since its first broadcast in 1948, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a staple on NBC. So, no matter where you live, simply tune into your local NBC station. Remember, the parade starts promptly at 9 a.m. EST, which means if you're on the West Coast, you'll want to set your alarm for 6 a.m. to catch the live broadcast. Whether you're snuggling up on the couch or catching it on your computer, you won’t want to miss a single moment of this annual spectacle.

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How Can I Stream the Parade Live?

Life is busy, and sometimes sitting in front of the TV just isn’t an option. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stream the parade live. Paid subscription services like Hulu, DirectTV Now, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, and YouTube TV all offer the parade as part of their lineup. However, availability can vary by region, so be sure to check with your provider before relying on these options. Depending on your setup, you might need a device like a Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, smartphone, or Fire TV to access the stream.

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If signing up for a subscription service isn’t in the cards for you, don’t fret. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube often broadcast major national events like the parade. In fact, in 2016, Verizon partnered with NBC to provide a free livestream of the parade on their YouTube channel. Keep an eye out for similar opportunities this year.

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In 39 days, don't miss the Red #MightyMorphin #PowerRangers traverse New York in the 91st Thanskgiving Day Parade! . . . #mightymorphinpowerrangers #redranger #iconic #nostalgia #popculture #newyork #macysparade #macysparade2017 #thanksgiving #thanksgivingday #thanksgivingdayparade #powerrangers25 #powerranger #balloon
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Who’s Stealing the Spotlight?

As always, Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker will be hosting the parade, introducing an all-star lineup of performers. Get ready for some unforgettable performances by Sarah McLachlan, Tony Bennett, and many others. Other musical acts include America’s Got Talent 2016 winner Grace VanderWaal, Brett Eldredge, Kelsea Ballerini, Chloe and Halle, Daya, De La Soul, Easton Corbin, Fitz and the Tantrums, Jacob Whitesides, Maddie & Tae, Aloe Blacc, Ben Rector, Regina Spektor, Johnnyswim, LunchMoney Lewis, Diamante’ Electrico, and Timeflies. With so much talent on display, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What Balloons and Floats Can We Expect?

Let’s face it—those massive balloons and dazzling floats are the real stars of the show. This year, you’ll see both beloved classics and exciting newcomers. Some of the highlights include Hello Kitty, Olaf from Frozen, Pillsbury Doughboy, Pokémon Pikachu, Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, Ronald McDonald, Ice Age’s Scrat and His Acorn, Dino the Dinosaur, and the Trolls. There will also be stunning floats like Gibson Guitar, 1-2-3 Sesame Street, Mount Rushmore’s American Pride, and Tom Turkey. And, of course, the parade wouldn’t be complete without Santa’s Sleigh making its grand appearance at the end.

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From New York City Up And Down (Glitterati) the Ronald McDonald float appears for the first time of the Macy's Parade in 1987. Does this remind you of anyone ? #macysparade#newyorkcityupanddown#newyork#newyorkcity#mcdonalds#instaphoto#bookstagram#book#nyc#usa#parade
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What Else Can We Look Forward To?

In addition to the incredible performances and floats, the parade will feature special appearances by athletes like U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists Laurie Hernandez, Michelle Carter, and Claressa Shields. Marching bands and talented performance groups, including the nationwide Spirit of America cheer team and Spirit of America dance team, will also bring their energy and flair to the event. It’s a celebration that truly has something for everyone, and you won’t want to miss a single moment of the magic.