The retailer has been an important part of this day for 98 years, and the holiday shopping season has not officially until Santa Claus arrives at the end of the festivities. There are an abundance of singers, giant balloons and brass bands along the way.

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

What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

This year’s parade starts at 8:30 a.m. ET. If you have other things going on (or if you’re on the West Coast), there will be a rebroadcast starting at 2:00 PM ET.

How long will the Thanksgiving Day Parade last?

The parade usually lasts 3.5 hours and the first broadcast lasts until noon. The rebroadcast will be a little tighter and will end at 5:30 p.m

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

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

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

Absolute! Try one of these options…

Peacock

NBC’s streaming service gives you full access to the parade (and tonight’s NFL game). It comes with a monthly fee of $8 or $14 — and the service recently did away with its free trial. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)

Disney+

Disney’s Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three together (or $30 per month if there are no ads on Hulu).

If you include Live TV in the bundle, the price rises 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 a monthly fee of $73.

Sling TV

Dish Network’s Sling lower “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive ‘Blue’ plan increases the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial is unfortunately gone.

DirectTV stream

Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow, and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will cost you $80 per month and more after the free trial option.

Fubo TV

This sports-focused cord-cutting service serves 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 dotted companion is joining the party. She is the last of the Disney Fab Five to be part of the parade. Mickey Mouse’s balloon debut was in 1934. Pluto was also part of the parade that year. Donald Duck followed in 1935. And Goofy appeared in 1992.

Also new this year are Goku, the hero of the Dragon Ball anime series and video games; 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 this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

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

What is the route of the parade?

The parade starts at West 77^e Street and Central Park West, along a winding 2.5-mile path to Macy’s Flagship Store at Herald Square. If you’re hoping to go in person, it’s good to know that not all places along the route allow public viewing. Try Central Park West between 60^e and 75^e street or on Sixth Avenue between West 59^e and 38^e Streets. Come early. Really early.

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