2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: TV Info, Live Stream, Re-Broadcats, Route, More

Like turkey and cranberry sauce, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a time-honored tradition for lots of families, including mine.

From the gigantic floats and character balloons to the marching bands and Broadway acts there is something for everyone to see and enjoy.

Macy’s has been hosting this event since 1924, and this year promises to be an exciting one with new balloons to watch for and over 8,000 participants marching along the 2.5-mile-long route.

I saw a preview of some of the new floats and balloons and I must say they are really spectacular!

To help you watch in style, whether you plan to watch in-person, on your TV or streaming on your PC/tablet/smartphone, here’s everything (and I mean everything) you need to know:

Time & Channel: The parade will air on NBC and start at 9 A.M. in each time zone (so people on the West coast don’t need to wake up at 6 A.M.); the show will run 3 hours.

NBC will also re-air it at 2 P.M. in each time zone

Hosts: Once again, this year’s parade will be hosted by NBC’s Today Show team of Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker.

Free Live Streaming: free live streaming is available through the following outlets:

-NBC will stream live on their website, www.nbc.com, and through their NBC Live app for iOS and Android.

Streaming is free but may not be available in all areas; you will also need to sign in using a participating cable provider.

-Macy’s Facebook page will also be streaming the show; you need a FB account (which is free) to watch.

-Earth Cam will also have free live streaming available, though it may have more aerial views.

Parade Route: The parade will start at 77th St. and Central Park West, wrap south around Central Park, turn at Columbus Circle, and then head down 6th Avenue, finishing in front of Macy’s at Herald Square.

You can view the map below.

Viewing spots: According to Macy’s website, here are the best places to watch in person and the best times for these spots:

– Central Park West from 59th -75th Streets, where the Parade runs from about 9 A.M.-10:30 A.M.; get there early (like 6 A.M. if you want a good spot).

-6th Avenue from 9:30 A.M. on, but avoid 6th Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets or in front of Macy’s Herald Square, because there is limited viewing due to the national television broadcast.

-Columbus Circle: shops at Columbus Circle open at 9 A.M.- the 2nd and 3rd floors of the mall provide great viewing options.

Performers: among this year’s performers are the Radio City Rockettes, who will kick off the parade, Mariah Carey, Cirque du Soleil, Daughtry, Sandra Lee, Shawn Mendes, Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell, Jennifer Nettles, NHL legends Mark and Marty Howe, Jake Owen, Panic! at the Disco, Questlove with the cast and the Muppets of “Sesame Street,” Prince Royce, the cast of Broadway’s “School of Rock,” Trey Songz, Jordin Sparks, Chica and the gang from Sprout and Train and more.

Macy’s app: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2015, the app is available for both Android and iOS.

The app keeps users updated on Parade news, create their own reality parade balloons, and watch Macy’s original animated short films.

How do you plan to watch the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Share your favorite moments from past parades with us and be sure to  follow all my latest TV and streaming reports on Twitter


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Author Profile: Consumer Expert Tracy Ortiz

I am a mom to 2 little boys: a 10 year- old and an 8 year-old and they are the only things I love more than writing. I am an avid reader, a big sports fan and love a good deal. Most of all, I love keeping up on the latest consumer news and sharing my findings with all of you. When I'm not writing I'm painting- check out my latest in my shop: etsy.com/shop/paintmeapicstudios

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