The retailer has been an important part of this day for 98 years, but the holiday shopping season has not officially until Santa Claus arrives at the end of the festivities. Along the way there is a cornucopia of singers, giant balloons and brass bands.

This year’s parade, like your Thanksgiving dinner, will have a few small changes, but they probably won’t stray too far from tradition.

When does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

This year’s parade begins at 8:30 a.m. ET. If you have something else going on (or are on the West Coast), there will be a replay starting at 2:00 p.m. ET.

How long will the Thanksgiving parade last?

The parade usually lasts 3.5 hours – the first broadcast runs until noon. The replay is a little tighter and is expected to end at 5:30 p.m

How can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for free?

The annual event airs simultaneously on NBC and Peacock. The best way to watch on a big screen for free is with a good HD antenna. To ensure you get the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in several locations around your home.

Can I stream the Thanksgiving Day Parade online if I don’t have a cable subscription?

Absolutely! Try one of these options…

peacock

You’ll have full access to the parade (and tonight’s NFL game) via NBC’s streaming service. The monthly fee is $8 to $14 – and the service recently eliminated the free trial. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)

Disney+

Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month if you don’t see any ads on Hulu).

Adding live TV to the package increases the price to $77 per month ($90 without ads).

Hulu with live TV

The free trial of this service lasts three days. After that, it will cost you $77 per month.

YouTubeTV

After a free trial, you can expect to pay monthly fees of $73.

Sling TV

Dish Network’s Sling’s lower “Orange” plan will set you back $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan increases the cost to $55 per month. Unfortunately, the seven-day free trial has disappeared.

DirecTV stream

Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service costs $80 per month and up after the free trial.

Fubo TV

This sports-focused cord-cutting service operates broadcast networks in most markets, including NBC. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly fees of $80 and up depending on the channels you choose.

What are the new balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Minnie Mouse is the big change this year. For the first time since her debut in 1928, Mickey’s polka dot companion will be making an appearance. She is the last of the Disney Fab Five to participate in the parade. Mickey Mouse’s balloon debut took place in 1934. Pluto was also part of the parade this year. Donald Duck followed in 1935. And Goofy appeared in 1992.

Also new this year are Goku, the hero of the anime series and video games Dragon Ball; the elf on the shelf; Dora the Explorer and Boots (for the first time in 15 years); and a new Spider-Man balloon.

Minnie is joined by old favorites including Snoopy, Bluey, the Minions and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Who will perform in the Thanksgiving Day Parade this year?

A total of 24 artists will be taking part in this year’s parade, including Indina Menzel, Charli D’Amelio, T-Pain, The Temptations and Ellie the Elephant from the New York Liberty.

What is the parade route?

The parade begins at West 77^Th Street and Central Park West and follow a 2.5-mile winding path to the Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square. If you want to visit in person, it’s good to know that not all places along the route are open to the public. Try Central Park West between 60 and 60^Th and 75^Th Street or on Sixth Avenue between West 59^Th and 38^Th streets. Come early. Really early.

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