Where to Watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Free (2023)

Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

Every year, I eagerly anticipate the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

It’s a cherished tradition in my family, and we love watching the colorful floats, gigantic balloons, and mesmerizing performances.

But one question often arises: Where to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade for free?

Today, I’ll share some tips to ensure you can enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your home without spending too much cash. Read on.

Table of Contents

Where Can You Watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

If you want to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade without relying on subscription services or live streaming sources, your best option is an antenna [1].

The parade continues to be broadcast over the air, much like in the past.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
– William Arthur Ward, American Writer

For instance, in 2022, NBC aired the Thanksgiving Day Parade live, and you can tune in without an internet connection using an HDTV antenna.

This traditional method allows you to enjoy the parade festivities free of charge and in high-definition quality. But what balloon has appeared the most in Macy’s?

Can You Watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade On Hulu?

You can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Hulu, specifically through Hulu Live.

As a subscription service, Hulu Live offers the convenience of live-streaming the parade, allowing you to enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your device.

This option provides flexibility for viewers who prefer the convenience of online streaming and are Hulu subscribers.

So, if you have a Hulu Live subscription, you will experience the parade’s excitement. But what will you do in NYC on Thanksgiving?

Where Is The Best Spot To View The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

If you want the best view of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, visit Central Park West, specifically between 61st and 72nd streets.

That’s the spot Macy’s suggests for the top parade experience.

To stay well-informed about the parade lineup, route, and additional details, it’s advisable to visit the official Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade website.

Find out the time and date that the Columbus Day parade starts here.

Where To Find A Replay Of The Thanksgiving Day Parade?

To catch a replay of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, head to Peacock [2], where you can watch it until 3 in the afternoon Eastern Time.

Peacock offers the convenience of revisiting the parade festivities, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle at your own pace.

So, if you missed the live broadcast, Peacock has you covered with a replay option. But what time will the Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade start?

Who Has Appeared The Most In The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Out of all the iconic characters to grace the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it’s none other than Snoopy from The Peanuts who holds the record.

Snoopy has made his whimsical presence known in the parade an impressive 43 times, showcasing a variety of delightful variations.

This makes Snoopy a true parade superstar, loved by kids and adults for many years. Snoopy is a big part of what makes the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade so special.

But where do the balloons from Macy’s Thanksgiving parade inflate?

How To Participate In The Macy’s Day Parade As A Balloon Holder?

Becoming a balloon handler in the Macy’s Day Parade involves meeting specific criteria. To qualify, you must either be a Macy’s employee or have sponsorship from one.

“When the streets of New York come alive with balloons and bands, you realize that some of life’s greatest treasures are there for everyone to enjoy, free of charge.”
– Howkapow Gift Site

Due to the high number of returning handlers, the available slots for new participants are limited. This makes securing a role as a balloon holder a competitive endeavor.

If you’re passionate about being part of this iconic event, exploring sponsorship opportunities or pursuing a career with Macy’s could be your path to joining the ranks of the parade’s dedicated balloon handlers.

But what can you do on Thanksgiving without family?

How Much Do Businesses Pay To Be In The Macy’s Parade?

Businesses wanting to be part of the Macy’s Parade must pay money. They need to pay to build their parade float, and they also have to give $190,000 to be in the parade.

But here’s the thing: if a company decides to be in the parade for more than one year, they don’t have to spend as much on building the float because they can reuse it.

So, their parade fee becomes $90,000, which is less. This way, businesses can save money if they plan to be in the parade for a while.

Is It Worth Going To Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an experience that’s well worth it. It’s considered one of the must-do activities in New York City.

You get to see giant balloons in the sky, the weather is usually okay for late November, and the people around you are friendly.

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FAQs

How do you get spots for the parade in front of Macy’s?

Macy’s doesn’t typically sell grandstand tickets to the public. However, some creative approaches or connections offer opportunities to access these prime viewing spots.

These seats can be given to parade participants’ friends and family, Macy’s employees, and volunteers.

You might also want to know which football team doesn’t have a game on Thanksgiving Day here.

Which city in the United States has the oldest Thanksgiving?

Philadelphia has the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade, originating in 1920.

This tradition has deep historical roots and is a cherished part of the city’s Thanksgiving celebrations.

In A Nutshell

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that can be enjoyed in multiple ways.

If you want to watch it for free, tuning in through an HDTV antenna, as suggested in the first section, allows you to relish the parade’s vibrant charm without subscription costs.

Alternatively, as mentioned in the second section, Hulu Live is an excellent option for those who prefer online streaming.

I’ve witnessed the parade’s magic from Central Park West, taking Macy’s advice to heart.

And it’s an ideal location that offers an unforgettable experience, making it worth the visit.

References:

https://www.lifewire.com/benefits-of-antenna-use-3276150

https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/streaming/peacock-tv-streaming-service-app

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Kimberlee Johnson

Kimberlee Johnson is a preschool teacher and a mom of 3. She puts a lot of thought into gift-buying and gift-giving as she believes that each gift should tell a story. She enjoys scrapbooking and watching the History Channel. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].